The Secret Marriage: 5 Surprising Facts About Billie Jean King's Decades-Long Relationship With Ilana Kloss

As of December 12, 2025, tennis legend and equality icon Billie Jean King remains happily married to her long-time partner, Ilana Kloss, a union that was kept a secret for years and only revealed in her 2021 memoir, *All In*. This decades-long relationship, which began in the 1970s, represents a profound personal journey for King, moving from a highly public first marriage to a deeply private second one that cemented her commitment to love and authenticity. Their story is not just one of romance, but a powerful symbol of resilience, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and the fight for marriage equality. The revelation of their secret 2018 wedding was a moment of quiet triumph for the champion who spent a lifetime fighting for parity on and off the court. Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss are more than just a married couple; they are powerful business partners, co-founders of major organizations, and two of the most influential figures in the history of women's sports, using their platform to champion inclusive leadership and equal rights for all.

Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss: A Dual Biography and Partnership Profile

Billie Jean King's life has been defined by groundbreaking achievements in tennis and relentless activism. Her current marriage to Ilana Kloss is the culmination of a relationship that has spanned over four decades, navigating the intense scrutiny of professional sports and the difficult social climate of the 1970s and 80s.

Billie Jean King (BJK)

• Full Name: Billie Jean Moffitt King
• Born: November 22, 1943, Long Beach, California, US
• Tennis Career: Former World No. 1 professional tennis player.
• Grand Slam Titles: A staggering 39 major titles, including 12 in singles, 16 in women's doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles.
• First Marriage: Married law student Larry King in 1965. They co-founded the Women's Sports Foundation in 1974. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1987.
• Key Achievements: Victor in the 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" match against Bobby Riggs; Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient.

Ilana Kloss

• Full Name: Ilana Sheryl Kloss
• Born: March 22, 1956, Johannesburg, South Africa
• Tennis Career: Former professional tennis player, coach, and administrator.
• Career Highlights: Achieved World No. 1 ranking in doubles in 1976. Won the Wimbledon junior singles title in 1972.
• Current Role: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Commissioner of World TeamTennis (WTT), a league co-founded by BJK.
• Relationship with BJK: The couple became romantic partners in 1987, after being doubles partners and friends for years.

The Path to Marriage: From Public Scandal to Private Vows

Billie Jean King’s journey to her current marriage was fraught with personal struggle and public controversy. Her first marriage to Larry King was a supportive partnership that helped launch her career and activism, but it masked a deeper truth about her sexuality. In 1981, King was publicly outed after a palimony lawsuit was filed by her former secretary, Marilyn Barnett. This event, which occurred when very few public figures were openly gay, cost King millions in endorsements and forced her to confront her identity in the harshest spotlight.

Her relationship with Ilana Kloss began after the public outing, becoming a source of strength and stability. Kloss, a fellow tennis professional, understood the unique pressures of King's life. For decades, they were life partners, business associates, and co-advocates, but they chose not to formally marry. This decision was largely due to the societal and legal landscape at the time, which did not fully recognize same-sex marriage.

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The decision to finally tie the knot in 2018 was a deeply personal and political act. King revealed in her autobiography, *All In*, that they married to honor the countless LGBTQ+ activists who fought tirelessly for the right to marry. The ceremony itself was a testament to their desire for privacy and respect for the monumental legal battles that preceded it.

The wedding took place in a small, intimate ceremony officiated by former New York City Mayor David Dinkins, a friend of the couple. The secrecy surrounding the event was maintained for three years until the publication of King's memoir in 2021. This quiet commitment, after a lifetime of public spectacle, underscored the fundamental human right they were celebrating—the right to love and be recognized legally.

Their Enduring Legacy: Activism, Business, and Inclusive Leadership

The marriage of Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss is inextricably linked to their professional and philanthropic work. Their partnership is a powerhouse of activism and business acumen, extending far beyond the tennis court. The couple has leveraged their combined influence to promote several key entities and causes, fundamentally changing the landscape of sports and equality.

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The Power Couple's Business and Activism Entities:

• World TeamTennis (WTT): King co-founded the league in 1974, and Kloss has served as its CEO and Commissioner, making them a driving force in one of the most innovative and successful sports leagues.
• Women's Sports Foundation: Co-founded by King and her first husband, Larry King, in 1974, the organization remains a critical entity focused on advancing the lives of girls and women through sports and physical activity.
• Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative (BJKLI): Established to promote inclusive leadership and equal pay in the workplace, the Initiative is a core part of their ongoing advocacy for parity and diversity.
• The Billie Jean King Foundation: This non-profit supports organizations and individuals who are advancing positive change, particularly in the areas of social justice and equality.

Their joint efforts championing LGBTQ+ rights, equal pay, and gender equality serve as a living extension of King's historic victory in the 1973 "Battle of the Sexes." They continue to be vocal advocates for inclusivity, with Kloss often speaking alongside King on issues ranging from Title IX protection to the importance of diverse leadership. The stability and mutual respect in their 40-year relationship provide a powerful, tangible example of the principles they champion in their public life.

In a world where celebrity relationships often crumble under pressure, the enduring, though once-secret, marriage of Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss stands as a beacon of commitment. It is a profound statement that authentic love, regardless of when it is publicly acknowledged, is the ultimate victory.