Billie Jean King hosts tennis benefit at US Open tonight in New York

Billie Jean King hosts the 28th annual City Parks Foundation Tennis Benefit tonight at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m., honoring tennis legend Kim Clijsters and industry leader Peter Hurley.

The private reception brings together sponsors, donors, and tennis enthusiasts to support CityParks Tennis, which provides free instruction to thousands of New York City children ages 6 through 17 across all five boroughs. King and fellow tennis great John McEnroe serve as co-chairs of the benefit.

Attendees will have access to evening matches at Arthur Ashe Stadium as part of the event’s sponsorship packages, which range from $800 for individual loge-level tickets to $50,000 for premium suites that include formal invitations to view matches from the exclusive President’s Suite. All sponsorship levels include entry to the benefit reception.

A private reception at an open-air tennis venue, evening light casting long shadows across manicured courts, sponsor tables arranged courtside, a podium awaiting speakers, the stadium structure rising in the background, an atmosphere of elegant fundraising and celebration.

The City Parks Foundation’s tennis program serves as one of the nation’s largest municipal youth tennis initiatives, reaching over 9,000 young people annually through free instruction, clinics, and competitive opportunities. The benefit event raises critical funds that enable the foundation to sustain these free programs in under-resourced communities.

King’s connection to equal opportunity in tennis runs deep. In 1973, she successfully lobbied for equal prize money at the US Open, making it the first Grand Slam tournament to offer identical purses to male and female champions. That year, she had won the women’s title but received $10,000—$15,000 less than men’s champion Ilie Năstase. Her advocacy transformed the sport, setting a precedent that would eventually extend to all four major tournaments.

A spotlight-lit podium on an indoor tennis court, a single microphone, empty stands in shadow, the court pristine and ready for evening events, a sense of anticipation before the benefit reception begins.

The 28th annual benefit marks the continuation of a tradition that has supported grassroots tennis access in New York City. Last year’s 27th annual event, held in 2025, also featured prominent honorees and raised funds through similar sponsorship tiers. The foundation’s work has expanded beyond summer programming to year-round instruction, including the CityParks Lacoste Junior Tennis Academy, which provides free expert coaching and tournament training for advanced junior players at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Sources

City Parks Foundation — event details, honorees, sponsorship information, and program mission
AP News — Billie Jean King’s 1973 equal prize money achievement at the US Open
US Open official site — confirmation of 1973 equal prize money milestone and King’s role
Event listing (ma.to) — event date, time, location, and honorees

About the author, Chris Martin

Chris Martin is a US economics and current affairs journalist covering the intersection of policy, markets, and everyday financial life. With a background in financial reporting and a sharp eye for the stories behind the numbers, Chris brings clarity to some of the most complex issues shaping the American economy today. At ECIKS.org, Chris covers breaking developments across domestic economic policy, business strategy, Wall Street movements, and political decisions that ripple through financial markets. His reporting blends rigorous data analysis with accessible storytelling making critical information useful for investors, entrepreneurs, and engaged citizens alike.