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 on Thursday ahead of the Championships starting next week. The existing BBC deal was due to expire after next summer, making this extension 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 BBC first covered Wimbledon in 1927 with radio broadcasts from SW19. While the All England Club has taken tentative steps toward pay TV in recent years, selling secondary rights for the men's and women's finals to TNT Sports, it has not seriously considered breaking its relationship with the BBC. TNT Sports, Sky Sports, and Amazon Prime have acquired live rights for other grand slams, but none can match the reach and viewing figures guaranteed by the BBC, which promotes Wimbledon across 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 available free-to-air. However, the rest of the championships could theoretically be sold to a subscription service. Debbie Jevans, chair of the All England Club, said: "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. 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."
New-look BBC coverage
The BBC is revamping its Wimbledon coverage. Long-serving commentator Andrew Castle will step down after 24 years next month. Jamie Murray, who retired from playing this year, joins a new lineup including former British No. 1 Laura Robson, 1992 men's champion Andre Agassi, and women's finalist Eugenie Bouchard. Coverage will again be spearheaded by Clare Balding and Isa Guha.
ITF rebrands to World Tennis
The International Tennis Federation 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 rules, regulates international competition, and runs the Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, tennis at the Olympic Games, and lower-level tournaments. It also oversees global development and growth. The organization pledged to reinvest 85% of all income generated each year for the next decade. Chief executive Ross Hutchins explained the name change: "The ITF isn't well known enough or understood enough by audiences that can have a difference and a positive impact to our game."
