Hailed as a sports legend and champion of equality, tennis great Billie Jean King was named today the grand marshal of the 2025 Tournament of Roses, meaning she will lead the 136th Rose Parade and take part in pregame ceremonies during the 111th Rose Bowl Game.
King, 80, has long been regarded as one of the greatest women’s tennis players of all time, with 39 Grand Slam titles to her credit — 12 in singles competition, 16 in women’s doubles and 11 in mixed doubles. She is also a pioneer in the women’s rights and gender equality movements, perhaps best highlighted by her 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” victory over Bobby Riggs.
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“You have no idea how excited I am to be here today and be the grand marshal of the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade,” King said during a ceremony at Tournament House in Pasadena. “I looked at the list of grand marshals who came before me, and they’re absolutely the who’s who of American history. And I’m truly thrilled to be part of the Tournament of Roses family.
“ … This is like a dream come true. The annual Tournament of Roses parade was a big deal in our home,” she said. “We used to talk about it all year long, about January 1st. ‘Oh, we know what we’re gonna do.’ We look forward to it every single year. … So we watch the parade, then we get all ready for the game…