The Billie Jean King Leadership Award is presented to an individual or group who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and made significant contributions to the advancement of women through achievements in sports and the workplace. Through their personal and professional example, the recipients have inspired women and girls and demonstrated a lasting commitment to the growth of sports and physical activity for all women and girls.

Originally known as the Billie Jean King Contribution Award, the criteria were expanded in 2017.

Meet 2023 recipient, Stacey Allaster

Recipients

The Wilma Rudolph Courage Award is presented at our Annual Salute to Women in Sports to a female athlete who exhibits extraordinary courage in her athletic performance, demonstrates the ability to overcome adversity, makes significant contributions to sports and serves as an inspiration and role model to those who face challenges, overcomes them and strives for success at all levels. This award was first given in 1996 to Jackie Joyner-Kersee.

Meet 2023 recipient, Rosalie Fish

Recipients

The Champion for Equality Award is presented to an individual or organization that has shown an unwavering commitment to gender equality and to the advancement of girls and women in sports.  Through their personal and professional example, the recipients have inspired others to advocate for diversity and inclusion, to hire, support, mentor and elevate women, and to strive for equality because it’s the right thing to do.

Meet 2023 recipients, Jon Patricof and Jonathan Soros

Every year, at our Annual Salute to Women in Sports, we recognize an individual sport athlete and team sport athlete whose performances over a 12-month time span have been exceptional. Past winners include Venus and Serena Williams, Abby Wambach, Meryl Davis, Simone Biles, Yani Tseng and Candace Parker. Simply put: our Sportswoman of the Year Award is one of the most prestigious in the game.

The public and the Women’s Sports Foundation’s Awards Committee select the award winners by a 50-50 vote. The winners will be those two athletes who receive the highest combined share of a public vote (50% of composite) and the Awards Committee vote (50% of the composite).*

Individual Sport Recipients

Meet 2023 recipient, Claressa Shields

Every year, at our Annual Salute to Women in Sports, we recognize an individual sport athlete and team sport athlete whose performances over a 12-month time span have been exceptional. Past winners include Venus and Serena Williams, Abby Wambach, Meryl Davis, Simone Biles, Yani Tseng and Candace Parker. Simply put: our Sportswoman of the Year Award is one of the most prestigious in the game.

The public and the Women’s Sports Foundation’s Awards Committee select the award winners by a 50-50 vote. The winners will be those two athletes who receive the highest combined share of a public vote (50% of composite) and the Awards Committee vote (50% of the composite).*

*Sportswoman of the Year was not awarded in 2020. In 2021, it was selected by the Women’s Sports Foundation.

Team Sport Recipients

Meet our 2023 recipient, Natalie Schneider