Queen Elizabeth II died Thursday at 96 years old, and Billie Jean King and more women’s sports stars are paying tribute to the longest-reigning monarch in British history.

She ruled for 70 years after acquiring the throne in 1952. She was placed under medical supervision Thursday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, and Buckingham Palace announced her death later in the day.

Tennis legend King said she was “saddened” to learn the news.

“For 70 years, her leadership, impact, and influence on the United Kingdom and the entire global community has been immense. I met her in 2010 at Wimbledon, and it was a special moment for me,” she wrote. “She was the longest reigning British monarch in history, the only woman from the Royal Family to serve in the armed forces, and a respected leader around the world.

“She earned her place in history, and she will be missed.”

(1/2) I am saddened to learn of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

For 70 years, her leadership, impact, and influence on the United Kingdom and the entire global community has been immense. I met her in 2010 at Wimbledon, and it was a special moment for me. pic.twitter.com/ByFAfQQPJH

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 8, 2022

The top flight of women’s football in England also saw an outpouring of tributes.

“We are extremely saddened by the news that Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has passed away,” the Women’s Super League wrote in a Twitter post. Many WSL clubs also offered condolences via social media on Elizabeth’s death, including Arsenal.

“Along with many of our supporters today, we will be taking time to mourn and reflect on Her Majesty’s incredible life and devoted service,” the club wrote.

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.

Along with many of our supporters today, we will be taking time to mourn and reflect on Her Majesty’s incredible life and devoted service. pic.twitter.com/VbPYDVOdLJ

— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) September 8, 2022

The England women’s national team published the same post as the WSL to its own Twitter account, and both the WSL and the Lionesses changed their profile photos to black.

England captain Leah Williamson called the queen “a constant presence of grace and decency in a world that continued to change around her.”

A constant presence of grace and decency in a world that continued to change around her. An exceptional person. A light so bright, she was a warm voice amongst times of despair. A Queen who unified the people she dedicated her life to. Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II 🕊 pic.twitter.com/Ym5oNVp8h6

— Leah Williamson (@leahcwilliamson) September 8, 2022

The US Open will hold a moment of silence before the start of the women’s semifinal matches Thursday night to honor Elizabeth.

Wimbledon offered “deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences” on the queen’s death, while the Women’s Tennis Association expressed gratitude for Elizabeth’s contributions to the sport.

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We are grateful for her contributions to tennis, and our thoughts and condolences are with the British Royal Family. pic.twitter.com/fxQFowsL1x

— wta (@WTA) September 8, 2022

The W Series issued a statement on behalf of CEO Catherine Bond Muir, who said she was “deeply saddened” by the queen’s passing.

“We are privileged to have lived under her reign – the greatest embodiment of women’s empowerment in our lifetime – and we will continue to race in her honor,” she said.

A statement from W Series CEO, Catherine Bond Muir on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. pic.twitter.com/RtTpkCW1Gw

— W Series (@WSeriesRacing) September 8, 2022

The U.S. Soccer Federation “pays its deepest respect to the legacy and memory” of the queen, it said in a statement on social media.

The United States Soccer Federation pays its deepest respect to the legacy and memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

To her family and the people of Great Britain, we wish you peace, strength and comfort.

— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) September 8, 2022

Phoenix Mercury center Megan Gustafson also offered her condolences, writing that the queen inspired her love of corgis. Elizabeth famously owned a number of corgis during her long reign, and Gustafson currently has a corgi named Pancake.

Rest In Peace, Queen Elizabeth. My inspiration for loving Corgis came from you. I hope to one day to have as many Corgis and love for them as you did 🥺

P.S. You and Pancake would have been best friends. 💗👑 pic.twitter.com/2QSG5MLnR0

— Megan Gustafson (@GustafsonMeg10) September 8, 2022

J.Crew is hitting the slopes with Team USA for the 2026 Winter Olympics, dropping a limited-edition retail collection in collaboration with US Ski & Snowboard this week.

The apparel giant tapped six members of Team USA to model the capsule, including 2018 and 2022 Olympic snowboarder Hailey Langland, 2018 Olympic mogul skier Tess Johnson, and freestyle skier Rell Harwood, who is aiming to make her Olympic debut this year.

The move comes after the brand announced a three-year deal with the winter sports' national governing body, with J.Crew signing on as an official partner of US Ski & Snowboard.

"We're proud to elevate the sport and its athletes at a moment when excitement around snow sports is higher than ever," said J.Crew Group CEO Libby Wadle.

Using themes, patterns, and patches from both the governing org's and J.Crew's historic archives, the inaugural 26-piece collection features knitwear, winter accessories, loungewear, and — in conjunction with US Ski & Snowboard partner Kappa — technical ski jackets.

With items for all ages, the capsule collection will not factor into Team USA's official Olympic uniform, but will provide retro "après-ski-style" flair for both athletes and fans.

How to purchase the Team USA x J.Crew Winter Olympics collection

The full US Ski & Snowboard collection from J.Crew will hit the retailer's online store on Thursday, though fans can sign up for the official drop notification today.

The Australian Open is raising the bar for 2026, with the first Grand Slam of the tennis season boosting its total prize pool to a record $74.9 million — a 16% increase over the 2025 tournament.

Top-finishers in both the women's and men's competitions will now receive checks worth $2.79 million — 19% more than 2025's champions — while a player exiting in the main draw's first round will earn approximately $101,000, a 14% year-over-year increase.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Just Women’s Sports (@justwomenssports)

The annual competition has long been a pioneer in promoting equal pay, following the US Open's 1973 move by becoming the second Slam to guarantee a 50-50 breakdown between the WTA and ATP in 2001.

"This 16% increase demonstrates our commitment to supporting tennis careers at every level," said Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley in the governing body's Tuesday announcement. "From boosting qualifying prize money by 55% since 2023 to enhancing player benefits, we're ensuring professional tennis is sustainable for all competitors."

"This investment strengthens tennis's foundation, ensuring the sport's long-term health and commercial growth," added Tiley. "By supporting players at all levels, we're building deeper talent pools and more compelling storylines for fans."

How to watch the 2026 Australian Open

US star and world No. 7 Madison Keys will look to defend her trophy when the main draw of the 2026 Australian Open kicks off at 7 PM ET on Saturday, January 17th.

Live coverage of the season's first Slam will air across ESPN platforms.

LPGA stars will soon be hitting the virtual links, as the pro women's tour is teaming up with TMRW Sports to launch the all-new WTGL next winter.

The indoor team golf platform will build off the success of the second-year men's venture Tomorrow's Golf League (TGL) — a 2025 upstart co-founded by PGA stars Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy — which merges traditional golf with simulated play to provide avenues for offseason competition.

"I've seen how new formats can engage audiences while showcasing both athlete personality and performance, and WTGL brings that spirit of innovation to the women's game," said commissioner Craig Kessler in the LPGA's Tuesday press release. It creates another global stage for our athletes — one that helps fans connect more deeply with them and continues to elevate the visibility and growth of women's golf."

US fan favorite Lexi Thompson unveiled the news on ESPN's SportsCenter on Tuesday, promising a star-studded roster of LPGA standouts, with WTGL participants and teams dropping in the upcoming months.

"It just brings a whole different fan base to the game of golf," said the 2022 Women's PGA Championship runner-up. "[Fans can] see the personalities of the guys, and now the women. So, it's just amazing for the game of golf in general, but especially the women's side."

Professional volleyball is back in action this week, with both League One Volleyball (LOVB) and Major League Volleyball (MLV) kicking off their 2026 seasons as the sport's pro landscape continues to grow.

Featuring an Olympian-heavy player pool, LOVB is returning with its six inaugural teams as reigning champion Austin looks to run the title back this season before the second-year league adds three new clubs in 2027.

Meanwhile, following a blockbuster merger with the two-season-old Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF), MLV will start serving with eight teams as 2025 PVF champs Orlando Valkyries embarks on their own title defense, all while the new conglomerate eyes more future expansion.

As NCAA volleyball continues to dominate the fall calendar, multiple pro leagues — each armed with top talent and broadcast deals — are forming in response to demand from both players and fans.

How to watch the 2026 season starts of LOVB and MLV

LOVB hits the 2026 court first with a rematch of the league's 2025 championship, with defending title-winners Austin facing runners-up Nebraska at 6 PM ET on Wednesday, airing on USA Network.

Then on Thursday, MLV enters the fray as the Atlanta Vibe hosts the Columbus Fury at 7 PM ET before the San Diego Mojo visits the Omaha Supernovas at 8 PM ET. Both MLV matches will stream live on YouTube.