Wimbledon Broadcast Deal Extended Through 2033
Wimbledon will continue to be broadcast on free-to-air television until at least 2033 following a new agreement signed on Thursday between the BBC and the All England Club, just ahead of the Championships commencing next week. The BBC's existing contract was set to expire after the upcoming summer tournament, and the six-year extension represents a significant achievement for the broadcaster. Aside from major events such as the men's football World Cup, European Championship, and the Olympics, Wimbledon stands as the BBC's largest live sporting property.
In recent years, the All England Club has cautiously explored pay television options within the UK market, having sold secondary rights for the men's and women's finals to TNT Sports. However, it is understood that the club has not seriously contemplated ending its longstanding relationship with the BBC, which dates back to the first radio coverage from SW19 in 1927.
While TNT Sports, Sky Sports, and Amazon Prime have secured live rights for other Grand Slam tournaments in recent years, none can match the reach and audience figures that the BBC guarantees. The broadcaster actively promotes Wimbledon across its website, streaming service, and radio platforms.
The men's and women's singles finals at Wimbledon are included on the UK government's crown jewels A-list of live sports events that must be made available on free-to-air television. However, the remaining matches of the Championships could potentially be sold to subscription-based services.
Statements from the All England Club
"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 in BBC Wimbledon Coverage
The BBC is also updating its Wimbledon coverage lineup. Andrew Castle, a long-serving commentator with 24 years of experience, will step down next month. Jamie Murray, who retired from professional play earlier this year, will join the new commentary team. The revamped lineup will also feature former British No. 1 Laura Robson, 1992 Wimbledon champion Andre Agassi, and Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard. The coverage will continue to be led by Clare Balding and Isa Guha.
International Tennis Federation Rebrands as World Tennis
Separately, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced it will now be known as World Tennis. The sport’s global governing body outlined an ambitious plan to increase participation by 30%.
Founded in 1913, the ITF is responsible for setting and enforcing tennis rules, regulating international competitions, and managing events such as the Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, tennis at the Olympic Games, and tournaments below the main professional tours. The organization also oversees the sport’s development and growth worldwide. In its announcement on Thursday regarding the name change, the ITF committed to reinvesting 85% of all income generated annually over the next decade back into the sport.
Ross Hutchins, the ITF chief executive, explained the rationale behind the rebranding:
"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."He added that the change was intended to improve recognition and distinguish the organization from others such as the men’s ATP Tour and women’s WTA Tour.
