Ace Move: Mattel honors tennis champion and advocate Venus Williams with a new Barbie
Mattel on Wednesday unveiled a new Barbie that honors tennis champion Venus Williams as both a trailblazer on the court and a fierce advocate for gender pay equity.
“Venus has redefined what it means to be a champion, not just through her Grand Slam titles, but through her fearless advocacy for pay equity,” Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls with Mattel MAT 0.00%↑, said in a statement. “Her unwavering fight for equal prize money in professional tennis forever changed the game, paving the way for future generations to dream bigger.”
The Venus Williams doll is part of the “Barbie Inspiring Women Series,” which pays tribute to women who have changed rules and paved the way for the next generation.
Other honorees in the series include Dr. Jane Goodall, Dr. Maya Angelou, Helen Keller, Eleanor Roosevelt, Billie Jean King, Ella Fitzgerald, Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks and Anna Sui.
The Venus Williams doll, released as part of Barbie's yearlong celebration of its 65th anniversary, wears the uniform from Williams’ 2007 Wimbledon Grand Slam tournament win, which made her a five-time champion and the first woman in tennis to earn equal prize money at a top-level tournament. Williams has earned a total of seven Grand Slam titles in her career.
The doll also wears a green gem necklace, a wristband, tennis racket, and ball.
“Growing up, I was taught early on that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance. That belief has guided me to break barriers and use my platform to champion causes like equal pay—not just for myself, but for those who come after me,” Venus Williams, said in a statement. “I hope this doll encourages young people to dream big, know their worth, and pursue their goals with confidence and heart.”
The Venus Williams doll (priced at $38) is available for sale online on Mattel Shop starting on Aug. 15.