"Men can have a huge turnover of sponsorship and still survive a lot better than the women. But the women's ratings are better, at least at home in the United States than in the men's tennis"

Billie Jean King's observation draws attention to the economic and social disparities present in professional tennis, especially when comparing the men's and women's circuits. She highlights a paradox where male tennis players, despite potentially losing sponsors or experiencing significant shifts in their financial backing, what she refers to as a "huge turnover of sponsorship", are still able to maintain their professional careers more comfortably than their female counterparts. This suggests that underlying structures, such as historically larger prize pools, more lucrative endorsement deals, and a longer legacy of commercial investment in men's sports, contribute to greater financial security for male athletes.

On the other hand, King points out that women's tennis, particularly in the United States, actually enjoys stronger television ratings than men's tennis. This remarkable popularity, based on viewership data, contradicts the assumption that men's sports invariably draw bigger audiences or more commercial value. The implication is that, despite demonstrating significant appeal and marketability, indicators that should drive sponsorship and investment, female athletes still face greater instability and fewer financial opportunities than men.

King's words critique the inequities entrenched in the business of sports, where visibility and popularity do not always correspond to commercial opportunity for women. She implicitly argues for reassessment by sponsors, broadcasters, and governing bodies, urging them to acknowledge women's tennis as not just equally entertaining but, in fact, more popular among American viewers. If women's matches attract better ratings at home, then the rationale for less generous sponsorship or secondary treatment evaporates.

By drawing attention to this discrepancy, King continues her lifelong advocacy for gender equity in sports. The commentary asks for changes that reflect actual audience engagement, leveraging the high ratings and enthusiasm around women's tennis to ensure players receive the same respect, opportunities, and financial rewards as their male colleagues. In essence, she calls for a rebalancing of support to match the true value women bring to the sport.