In 1972, Billie Jean King, an American former world No. 1 tennis player, won the women's title in the U.S. Open and earned $10,000 for her efforts, while the men's champion was awarded $25,000. She told tournament officials that neither she nor any other female pro would return the following year unless they were paid the same prize money as men. The tactic worked. In 1973, the U.S. Open offered equal prize money to men and women. This year, the U.S. Open marked the 50th anniversary of the organization's decision to offer equal prize money to men and women, the first of the Grand Slam tournaments to do so.
Women's sports is definitely having "a moment" with historic tennis, basketball, and gymnastics wins. Due to the efforts of trailblazers like Billie Jean King, women in tennis are offered equal pay. However, women still struggle with pay equity in other sports. If you were in a position of influence and power, what steps would you take to ensure equal pay for women in all sports?
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