Mattel has unveiled a new Barbie doll in honor of tennis legend Venus Williams, set to launch on August 15, 2025. This item is celebrating both her sporting achievements and her groundbreaking advocacy for equal pay.
By being immortalized as a Barbie doll in the Inspiring Women Collection, Venus Williams is joining a prestigious lineup of female athletes known for their contributions to sports.
Remembering Williams 2007 Wimbledon title
The doll commemorates Williams’ historic 2007 Wimbledon victory, where she won her fifth Grand Slam title and became the first woman to receive equal prize money at a major tennis tournament, marking a milestone in her advocacy for gender pay equity.
The Venus Williams Barbie, priced at $38, recreates her iconic 2007 Wimbledon look, the all-white Reebok tennis kit Williams was wearing when she beat Marion Bartoli in the women’s singles final at Wimbledon. It features a white tennis dress, a green gem necklace, a wristband and accessories like a tennis racket and ball. Mattel collaborated closely with Williams to ensure the doll accurately reflects her style and legacy.
Williams, now 45, expressed her gratitude, stating, “Being honored as a Barbie Inspiring Woman is incredibly special. I hope this doll empowers the next generation to dream big, inspires them to always stay true to who they are and stand up for what they believe in”.
This release follows Williams inclusion in an earlier May 2024 Barbie collection celebrating nine female athletes for Barbie’s 65th anniversary.
“Her unwavering fight for equal prize money in professional tennis forever changed the game, paving the way for future generations to dream bigger. Venus is a shining example of courage, resilience and empowerment, and we are honored to celebrate her remarkable legacy.” was the comment from Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie.
The new Inspiring Women doll, available on Mattel’s online store and major retailers starting Friday, shows her impact as a seven-time Grand Slam champion, four-time Olympic gold medalist and advocate for equality. Early purchase of the doll will also be available exclusively for Barbie Club 59 members.
