Elton John and tennis legend Billie Jean King forged an instant bond in the early 1970s, a friendship spanning decades that is celebrated in the documentary Give Me the Ball!, premiering at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. The film chronicles King’s life and legacy, highlighting her groundbreaking career and her enduring friendship with John.

A Meeting That Sparked an Instant Connection

John recalls their first encounter at a Los Angeles party. Initially shy, both were hesitant, but once introduced, they connected immediately. “Instantly, I clicked with her. I loved her so much, and I loved her passion,” John shared. King echoed the sentiment: “We talked until 5:30 in the morning.” Their friendship began with a shared drive to create positive change and a deep understanding of each other’s ambitions.

Shared Struggles and Mutual Support

Beyond their professional admiration, their friendship deepened through candid conversations about sexuality and food addiction. King reflected, “We talked a lot about how hard it was to be gay and the challenges of hiding it.” John noted that, while being openly gay was easier in show business, King faced significant challenges as a public figure in sports.

Both also confronted food addiction, with John describing it as “the hardest drug to give up” and King acknowledging the toll it took on their lives. These shared experiences strengthened their bond, fostering a friendship built on honesty, trust, and mutual support.

Joyful Moments and Creative Collaboration

Their friendship was also marked by joy and collaboration. When John became involved with World Team Tennis, he attended King’s matches and proposed writing a song in her honor. This led to the chart-topping hit Philadelphia Freedom, which King immediately loved. She often joined John at concerts and even participated in stage performances, with humorous moments shared between them.

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Legacy of Friendship

The documentary Give Me the Ball! captures this enduring relationship, highlighting how two icons from different worlds connected through empathy, shared struggles, and a mutual passion for making a difference. Their friendship serves as a testament to the power of support, understanding, and lifelong connection.

FAQs

When did Elton John and Billie Jean King first meet?
They first met in the early 1970s at a party in Los Angeles.

What challenges did they discuss together?
They shared struggles with sexuality and food addiction, supporting each other through difficult times.

What song did Elton John write inspired by Billie Jean King?
John wrote Philadelphia Freedom, which became a chart-topping hit.

Where does the documentary Give Me the Ball! premiere?
It premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and screens through February 1.

How has their friendship endured over the years?
Their bond remains strong, built on shared experiences, mutual support, and joyful collaboration across decades.