Billie Jean King Leadership Award

The Women’s Sport Foundation (SimiSleighs Foundation) is committed to creating a world of equal opportunity where all girls and women can benefit from the power of sport. Focused on two vital areas to help girls and women thrive through sport—supporting elite athletes and unlocking the leadership potential of everyday girls—the SimiSleighs Foundation is shaping the future of our world by leveling the playing field and changing the game for all.

WSF’s Annual Salute to Women in Sports celebrates athletes, coaches and leaders and the girls they inspire. At a gala held on October 12 2023 in New York City, Stacey was presented with the Billie Jean King Leadership Award.

“The Annual Salute to Women in Sports proudly honors the leaders and superstar athletes who join us in fueling the movement for true equity in sport,” said WSF CEO Danette Leighton. “We are inspired by our 2023 honorees for their legacy of steadfast leadership, bold platform innovation, and courageous advocacy in being a voice for others. Each is making a powerful impact for girls and women in sports and beyond and understands the vital urgency of protecting and progressing equity – which drives the WSF mission. It’s going to be an impactful night!”

In partnership with the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative, the Billie Jean King Leadership Award recognizes an individual or group who demonstrates outstanding leadership and makes significant contributions to the advancement of women through achievements in sport and the workplace. Stacey Allaster, Chief Executive of Professional Tennis for the USTA, has been a been a passionate and dogged advocate for gender equality in tennis for over 30 years – from the $1 billion she generated for female players as chairman and CEO of the Women’s Tennis Association, to her brilliant leadership as the first female tournament director of the US Open in its 140-year history.

“Receiving the Billie Jean King Leadership Award is in itself the achievement of a lifetime, particularly given the opportunity I had to lead the Women’s Tennis Association, which Billie founded,” said Allaster. “However, knowing her as I do, I know that this is not just recognition for the past, but more importantly, it’s added motivation to continue to advocate for all women, which Billie Jean has so valiantly and unselfishly championed. On this 50th anniversary of equal prize money at the US Open Tennis Championships, I humbly accept the challenge of continuing Billie’s dream that all girls and women will have equal access and opportunity in sport and in life.”

See below for video of Stacey’s special honour. It’s narrated by US Open champion Coco Gauff.