Venus Williams Honored With New Barbie Promoting Gender Pay Equity

Barbie is back on the court with Venus Williams,  and this time, she’s serving a powerful message with her legendary backhand. Mattel is releasing a brand-new Venus Williams Barbie doll this week, honoring not just her status as a seven-time Grand Slam champion, but also her fight for gender pay equity in sports, The Grio reports.

Part of Barbie’s “Inspiring Women” line, the doll is dressed in an outfit inspired by Williams’ 2007 Wimbledon victory, the year the tournament finally awarded equal prize money to men and women. The packaging features one of Venus’ signature motivational gems: 

“You have to believe in yourself even when no one else does. That makes you a winner right there.”

This isn’t Venus’ first time getting the Barbie treatment. Last year, she was featured in Mattel’s “Barbie Role Models” collection ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, alongside Olympic medalists like gymnast Rebeca Andrade and boxer Estelle Mossely. At the time, Venus told The Grio, “Throughout my career, I’ve always been driven by the idea of shattering glass ceilings and staying true to myself, and Barbie’s mission couldn’t resonate more deeply with that ethos. I’m honored to be recognized as a sports role model and join forces with Team Barbie to continue empowering the next generation of young girls to never stop believing in their dreams.”

Collectors and fans can grab the new Venus Williams Barbie on August 15 for $38, and whether you’re in it for the perfect serve, the fashion, or the history-making moment it represents, this doll is a win for the culture.

Cover photo: Venus Williams Honored With New Barbie Promoting Gender Pay Equity/Photo credit:Mattel/Barbie