Barbie collectors and tennis fans alike have something new to celebrate this week: a brand-new Barbie doll inspired by none other than Venus Williams, the legendary seven-time Grand Slam tennis champion. Released on August 15, 2025, by toy giant Mattel, the Venus Williams Barbie joins the brand’s esteemed “Inspiring Women” line, a series designed to honor trailblazing women whose achievements have left an indelible mark across industries and cultures.
This latest addition to the Barbie lineup is more than just a collectible—it’s a tribute to Williams’ storied athletic career and her tireless advocacy for gender pay equity in sports. According to Mattel, the doll’s outfit is a faithful recreation of the attire Williams wore during her 2007 Wimbledon victory. That win was historic not just for Williams herself, but for women’s tennis as a whole: it marked the first time the Wimbledon tournament awarded equal prize money to both male and female champions. The choice of uniform is a deliberate nod to this landmark moment, underscoring the ongoing struggle for gender equality in athletics and beyond.
Mattel’s decision to honor Venus Williams comes at a time when the company is riding high on its global influence. As reported in License Global’s Top Global Licensors 2025, Mattel is among the world’s leading brand owners, contributing to a staggering $307.9 billion in retail sales of licensed consumer products. The Barbie brand, in particular, has become a cultural touchstone, evolving over the years to reflect shifting societal values and the growing demand for diverse representation.
The Venus Williams Barbie doll is priced at $38 and is available for purchase starting this week. The packaging is as thoughtful as the doll itself, featuring one of Williams’ most empowering quotes: “You have to believe in yourself even when no one else does. That makes you a winner right there.” For many fans, these words encapsulate Williams’ philosophy both on and off the court—a message of perseverance and self-belief that resonates far beyond the world of tennis.
This isn’t the first time Mattel has recognized Williams’ impact. Last year, ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, the company released a Venus Williams doll as part of its “Barbie Role Models” collection. That series celebrated nine pioneering athletes, including Olympic gold, silver, and bronze medalist gymnast Rebeca Andrade and French boxer and 2016 Olympic champion Estelle Mossely. The 2024 release was a nod to Williams’ status not just as a tennis icon, but as a role model for aspiring athletes around the globe.
Reflecting on her inclusion in the Barbie Role Models collection, Williams shared her thoughts with theGrio. “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,” she said. “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.”
The “Inspiring Women” line has featured a diverse array of figures, from scientists and activists to artists and athletes, each selected for their unique contributions and the barriers they’ve broken. For Mattel, the decision to spotlight Venus Williams is part of a broader commitment to representation and empowerment. By immortalizing Williams in doll form, the company hopes to inspire young girls to dream big and challenge the status quo—whether on the tennis court or in any arena they choose.
The significance of the 2007 Wimbledon Championships cannot be overstated. Prior to that year, female champions at the prestigious tournament received less prize money than their male counterparts—a disparity that persisted for decades despite growing calls for equality. Williams, already a formidable force in women’s tennis, became an outspoken advocate for change. Her victory in 2007 was symbolic not just for the trophy she hoisted, but for the progress it represented. The new Barbie’s uniform, modeled after her winning outfit from that historic match, serves as a visual reminder of how far the sport—and society at large—has come in the fight for gender parity.
Mattel’s efforts to honor influential women through its products have not gone unnoticed. The company’s licensing strategy, highlighted in License Global’s 2025 report, has allowed it to remain at the forefront of the toy industry by tapping into cultural moments and celebrating real-world heroes. This approach has resonated with consumers, driving both sales and positive brand sentiment. The Venus Williams Barbie is expected to be a sought-after item among collectors and fans, further cementing Mattel’s reputation as a company that values both innovation and inclusivity.
For Venus Williams, the recognition is yet another milestone in a career defined by excellence and advocacy. As a seven-time Grand Slam champion, she has inspired countless young athletes with her skill, determination, and grace under pressure. Off the court, her work to promote gender equality has made her a role model for women and girls everywhere. The new Barbie doll is a fitting tribute to her legacy, capturing not just her athletic achievements but the spirit of empowerment she embodies.
It’s not every day that a toy release makes headlines, but the Venus Williams Barbie is more than just a plaything. It’s a symbol—a reminder that representation matters, that progress is possible, and that the dreams of young girls are worth celebrating and supporting. As Mattel continues to expand its Inspiring Women line, the hope is that each new doll will spark conversations, inspire ambition, and encourage the next generation to believe in themselves, just as Williams has always done.
With this latest release, Mattel reaffirms its commitment to honoring those who break barriers and push boundaries. For fans of Venus Williams and the millions who have followed her journey, the new Barbie is a small but significant testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of equality, and the enduring influence of one of tennis’s greatest champions.
