Originally launched as the Federation Cup in 1963, the tournament has since gone through two name changes - more recently switching from the Fed Cup to the Billie Jean King Cup in September 2020 in honour of former World No.1, Billie Jean King.

As the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup gets underway, we’ve put together a beginner’s guide to all the must-know information surrounding the tournament, how it works and Great Britain’s history at the event.

What is the structure of the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup?

The 2024 Billie Jean King Cup will kick-off on the 13-14 April with the qualifying stages, as 18 nations go head-to-head across nine different locations for a place in Finals. The champion and runner-up from the 2023 Finals in Seville (Canada and Italy) will receive automatic qualification for the 2024 Finals.

This year’s Finals will see the top teams in the world compete for the title in a week-long competition, with the date to be announced soon.

The nations that lose their qualifier and the best teams from World Group I will have to face a Play-off tie in November for a chance at qualification in 2025.

Key Billie Jean King Cup 2024 dates

What is the scoring format at the Billie Jean King Cup?

Billie Jean King Cup Finals: The Finals will take place in one location with the teams being split into four groups and playing in a round-robin format. The four group winners will progress to the semi-finals and final.

Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers: The qualifiers consist of nine ties played on a home-and-away basis, all of which will be best-of-five matches. The winning teams will progress to the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, while losing nations will compete in the Play-offs.

Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs: Nations in the Play-offs will then compete in ties played on a home-and-away basis – which will also be best-of-five matches. The winning nations will then compete in the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers the following year, while losing nations will compete in Group I events.

Groups I-III: Groups I-III will be divided into three regions: Americas, Asia/Oceana and Europe/Africa. Within each region is two divisions with Group I being the highest and Group II the lower, except for Europe/Africa which has an additional group (Group III).

Who won the Billie Jean King Cup in 2023?

Last year saw Canada be crowned Billie Jean King Cup champions for the first time in their history, following a 2-0 victory over Italy in Seville.

2021 US Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez defeated Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-3 before Marina Stakusic overcame Martina Trevisan 7-5, 6-3.

Which teams are competing at the Billie Jean King Cup 2024?

Eight of the following nations will advance to November's Finals alongside reigning champions Canada, 2023 runners-up Italy, host nation Spain and wild card Czech Republic.

The Ukraine, Romania tie will be held at a neutral venue in Fernandina Beach, USA.

How many players are in each team?

Each nation assembles a team of four or five players, with the country captain deciding which players will compete in the singles and doubles matches.

Find out who will be representing Great Britain at the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Malaga

Great Britain’s history in the Billie Jean King Cup

Great Britain are one of four nations to have competed in all editions of the tournament since it’s creation and have made it to the Finals on five occasions but are yet to lift the title.

Where to watch the Billie Jean King Cup

Information regarding where to watch the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Malaga will be available soon.