Not only is Venus Williams one of the greatest women tennis players ever — she competed at Wimbledon 24 times — but she led the charge for breaking down racial and sexual barriers in tennis by demanding equal prize money for women in the sport. Barbie is honoring this celebrated athlete and activist with a doll in the Inspiring Women line.
Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls at Mattel, said, “A trailblazer both on and off the court, 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. 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.”
Barbie and Venus Williams collaborated closely throughout the entire process to ensure the doll accurately reflected Venus’s appearance and signature style. Dressed in the uniform from her 2007 Grand Slam tournament win, the doll comes equipped with a green gem necklace, a wristband, a tennis racket, and a ball.
“Growing up, I was taught early on that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance,” Venus Williams stated. “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. Being honored as a Barbie Inspiring Woman is incredibly special. I hope this doll encourages young people to dream big, know their worth, and pursue their goals with confidence and heart.”
The Barbie Inspiring Women Venus Williams doll will be available on Mattel Shop for $38. Early purchase is exclusively available for Barbie Club 59 members starting on August 14 at 9pm PT. Barbie Club 59 is a premium membership for members of Mattel Creations for just $9.99/year. The club offers exclusive access to members-only dolls, priority windows for select public sales, confidential Barbie content, and the opportunity to vote on the design of new dolls and other Barbie products. To become a member of Barbie Club 59, visit Mattel Creations.
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The Barbie Inspiring Women Series pays tribute to courageous women who took risks, changed rules, and paved the way for generations of girls to dream bigger than ever before. Other women who have been honored as part of the Inspiring Women Series include Dr. Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks, Anna Sui, Ida B. Wells, Dr. Jane Goodall, Madam C.J. Walker, Helen Keller, Eleanor Roosevelt, Billie Jean King, Ella Fitzgerald, Florence Nightingale, Anna May Wong, Susan B. Anthony, Amelia Earhart, Katherine Johnson, Frida Kahlo, and Sally Ride.
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