The BBC has secured exclusive rights to broadcast Wimbledon until at least 2033, with the corporation paying in excess of £60 million annually to retain coverage of the prestigious grass-court championship.
The six-year extension, announced today, dispels uncertainty surrounding the tournament’s broadcasting future, with the previous arrangement set to conclude following next year’s event.
Coverage will continue across BBC One, BBC Two, iPlayer and the corporation’s radio stations, ensuring British audiences can watch all key matches without subscription fees.
The All England Club had reportedly entertained interest from streaming platforms and pay-television providers, yet ultimately chose to maintain its historic relationship with the public broadcaster.
The BBC will continue broadcasting Wimbledon
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This year’s Championships commence on Monday at SW19.
The partnership between the BBC and the All England Club stretches back nearly a century, with 2027 marking one hundred years since the corporation first brought Wimbledon to British audiences.
Debbie Jevans, chair of the All England Club, expressed her enthusiasm for the continuation: “We are delighted to extend our historic partnership with the BBC through to 2033. For nearly a century, we have worked together to bring the magic of Wimbledon to generations of fans in the UK.”
She added that the agreement “reflects our absolute commitment to ensuring Wimbledon remains freely available to the widest possible audience across the nation.”
Alex Kay-Jelski, BBC director of sport, described the tournament as holding “a truly special place in the hearts of audiences across the UK.”
Wimbledon will get underway on June 29
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He spoke of embracing “new technology, fresh storytelling, new voices and innovative ways to connect with fans.”
The broadcaster has unveiled significant changes to its presenting lineup as part of what it describes as a fresh editorial approach.
Andrew Castle, who has served as a tennis commentator for 24 years, will make his final appearance at this summer’s tournament.
Jamie Murray, the doubles specialist who retired from professional tennis earlier this year, joins the coverage team alongside former British number one Laura Robson.
American tennis royalty will also feature prominently, with 1992 Wimbledon champion Andre Agassi and 2014 finalist Eugenie Bouchard both confirmed as new additions.
Clare Balding and Isa Guha will continue to lead the presentation duties.
The corporation has promised to evolve its coverage through innovative storytelling and enhanced digital engagement across television, radio and social media platforms.
Wimbledon’s status as a Crown Jewel sporting event under Ofcom regulations mandates that the singles finals remain available on free-to-air television.
Wimbledon gets underway on June 29 | GBNEWS
However, only the finals carry this protected status, with the remainder of the fortnight classified as Secondary Coverage Protected.
TNT Sports currently holds rights to simulcast both singles finals and broadcast daily highlights, though this arrangement expires at the conclusion of this year’s tournament.
Negotiations to extend that deal are expected to commence afterwards.
The broader Grand Slam broadcasting landscape sees Sky Sports holding rights to the Australian Open and US Open, whilst TNT Sports covers Roland Garros.
Wimbledon’s status as a Crown Jewel sporting event under Ofcom regulations mandates that the singles finals remain available on free-to-air television
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Amazon Prime has also entered the live tennis market in recent years.
Calls persist to expand the Crown Jewels list to include the entire Wimbledon fortnight alongside cricket Test matches and Six Nations rugby.
