Wimbledon will remain on free-to-air television until at least 2033 after the BBC signed a new six-year deal with the All England Club, announced Thursday before the Championships start next week. The BBC's existing deal was due to expire after next summer, and this extension is a major boost for the corporation, as Wimbledon is its biggest live sporting asset after the men's football World Cup, European Championship, and Olympics.
Historic Partnership Continues
The All England Club has taken tentative steps towards embracing pay television in the UK in recent years, selling secondary rights to the men's and women's finals to TNT Sports. However, it is not thought to have given serious consideration to breaking a relationship with the BBC that began in 1927 with their first radio coverage from SW19. TNT Sports, Sky Sports, and Amazon Prime have acquired live rights for other grand slams, but none can offer the reach and viewing figures guaranteed by the BBC, which strongly promotes Wimbledon on its website, iPlayer, and radio stations.
Crown Jewels Protection
The Wimbledon men's and women's singles finals are on the government's crown jewels A-list of live sports events that must be made available free-to-air, but the rest of the championships could be sold to a subscription service. This deal ensures the entire tournament remains accessible.
"We are delighted to extend our historic partnership with the BBC through to 2033," said Debbie Jevans, chair of the All England Club. "For nearly a century, we have worked together to bring the magic of Wimbledon to generations of fans in the UK. 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."
Changes to BBC Coverage
The BBC is altering its Wimbledon coverage, with long-serving commentator Andrew Castle stepping down after 24 years. Jamie Murray, who retired from playing this year, will join a new-look lineup including former British No. 1 Laura Robson, 1992 men's Wimbledon champion Andre Agassi, and women's Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard. Coverage this year will again be spearheaded by Clare Balding and Isa Guha.
ITF Rebrands to World Tennis
Separately, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced it will now be known as World Tennis, outlining an ambitious vision to boost participation by 30%. Founded in 1913, the ITF sets and enforces the sport's rules, regulates international competition, and runs the Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, tennis at the Olympic Games, and tournaments below the main ATP and WTA tours. It also oversees global development and growth, pledging to reinvest 85% of all income it generates each year for the next decade.
Chief executive Ross Hutchins explained the name change: "The ITF isn't well known enough or isn't understood enough by audiences that can have a difference and a positive impact to our game."
