September 20

On September 20, 1973, Billie Jean King faced former champion Bobby Riggs in a highly publicized match. Riggs, a retired male tennis legend, had claimed that women’s tennis was inferior to men’s. Playing before a crowd of over 30,000 spectators, King won in straight sets, 6–4, 6–3, 6–3. Her victory became a landmark moment for women’s sports and gender equality. The match was broadcast to millions, sparking widespread media coverage and cultural debate. King’s triumph in the 'Battle of the Sexes' remains an enduring symbol of female empowerment.

On September 20, 1982, over 1,700 NFL players walked out to protest for better free agency rights and higher pay. The strike lasted 57 days, leading to the cancellation of seven weeks of regular-season games. As a result, the league adopted a new collective bargaining agreement and introduced a 9-week playoff tournament. The work stoppage underscored tensions between players and team owners over labor rights. Despite the disruption, the strike paved the way for future negotiations and free agency reforms. It remains one of the most significant labor actions in professional sports history.