The BBC has confirmed that Wimbledon will remain available live on free-to-air television until at least 2033. The historic extension prolongs one of the most celebrated and long-standing partnerships in British sport, first established in 1927, and guarantees their collaboration will surpass the century milestone.
Coverage Across Platforms
According to the terms of the extension, audiences will be able to access Wimbledon coverage via the BBC's terrestrial channels alongside the iPlayer service, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app. In a statement, the BBC confirmed their coverage would feature "deeper storytelling, enhanced analysis, and technology across TV, radio, online and social platforms."
Reactions from Key Figures
Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, said: "Wimbledon holds a truly special place in the hearts of audiences across the UK and this new agreement means we can continue our longstanding and deeply valued partnership with the All England Club well into the next decade." He added: "This is about celebrating one of the world's greatest sporting events while continuing to evolve how we bring it to audiences. With new technology, fresh storytelling, new voices and innovative ways to connect with fans across television, radio, online and social media, we are excited to build the future of Wimbledon coverage together and bring audiences even closer to The Championships than ever before."
Deborah Jevans, chair of the All England Club, commented: "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: "This agreement reflects our absolute commitment to ensuring Wimbledon remains freely available to the widest possible audience across the nation, enabled by the breadth and reach of the BBC's platforms, and their clear and continued ambition to enhance the audience experience."
Andrew Castle's Departure
The news comes mere days after the BBC's long-term commentator at Wimbledon, former British tennis star Andrew Castle, announced he would step down from his duties. The veteran broadcaster was informed that BBC bosses wanted to go in a different direction and rejig their coverage, which would have involved him accepting a lesser role. Castle decided instead to walk away altogether from the BBC. This year's Wimbledon, which gets underway on Monday, June 29, will be his final Championships with the broadcaster. A BBC spokesperson said: "We wanted Andrew to continue with the BBC at Wimbledon next year, but he has now decided that this year will be his last. We look forward to working with him at the 2026 Championships and thank him for his great work leading our commentary team there for more than 20 years."
New Line-Up for 2026
The announcement comes just days after the BBC unveiled their line-up for this year's Wimbledon. John McEnroe will return to screens alongside Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Pat Cash and Tracy Austin. Eugenie Bouchard will make her BBC debut having previously impressed in punditry roles with TNT Sports and Tennis Channel. Laura Robson will provide immediate reaction and expert analysis, while Jamie Murray will serve as the channel's dedicated analysis specialist, utilising enhanced match data, cutting-edge technology and tactical breakdowns to deliver fresh perspectives. Kyle Edmund will also feature in the BBC's daily TV coverage alongside familiar faces Tim Henman and Annabel Croft.
