Billie Jean King and John McEnroe to Host Event at The O2 Before Wimbledon 2027

Billie Jean King and John McEnroe will present a spoken-word event at The O2 in London on June 27, 2027, the day before Wimbledon begins. Titled "Billie Jean King & John McEnroe -- Champions in Sport. Champions in Life," this matinee performance is part of The O2’s 20th anniversary season and is the only spoken-word event scheduled for the celebration.

The year 2027 marks several significant anniversaries in tennis: it will be the 150th anniversary of the first Wimbledon Championships, the 50th anniversary of McEnroe’s Wimbledon debut, and the 54th anniversary of King’s triumph in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles at the 1973 Wimbledon.

During the event, King and McEnroe will share anecdotes from their careers, including McEnroe’s Wimbledon finals and King’s famous victory in the 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" against Bobby Riggs. Combined, they have won a total of 56 Grand Slam titles.

King expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, "Anytime John and I get together, it is a lively and engaging conversation. I am looking forward to being part of The O2’s 20th anniversary season. Tennis has given both John and me a wonderful platform for our lives and it will be fun to share stories that take the audience behind the curtain into the real world of our careers."

McEnroe remarked on the uniqueness of the occasion, sharing that this will be their first show together in London. He noted, "I am really looking forward to coming to London for a first-time-ever show with Billie Jean King. She is not only the most influential person in the history of Women’s Sports, but also my good friend and a living legend. Working together, we will give our very best to enlighten and entertain you at O2 London on 27/6/27. We hope that you will join us for a great afternoon of live entertainment."

Billie Jean King has secured 39 Grand Slam titles throughout her career, including a record 20 Wimbledon championships, and is a six-time year-end World No. 1. She founded the WTA, the Women’s Sports Foundation, and the Billie Jean King Foundation. John McEnroe has won 17 Grand Slam titles and holds the Open Era record for the most combined singles and doubles titles by a man, totaling 155. He has also worked as a commentator and analyst for 12 international television networks.

Tickets for the event will be available through an O2 Priority, LTA, and AELTC presale starting at 10 a.m. on September 22, 2026. General sales will begin at 10 a.m. on September 25 via fane.co.uk/king-mcenroe.