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Wimbledon has extended its domestic broadcast partnership with the BBC, keeping the tennis Grand Slam on free-to-air (FTA) television until 2033 and extending sports media’s longest relationship beyond a century.
The BBC will celebrate 100 years since its first Wimbledon radio broadcast in 2027 and the tournament remains one of the broadcaster’s most valuable sports properties, with last year’s men’s singles final drawing a peak linear audience of 8.3 million and generating a record 69.3 million online requests.
The arrangement includes comprehensive television, radio and digital rights, with the BBC agreeing to modernise its coverage at the All England Club’s (AELTC) request. The club was keen to renew with the BBC and dd not seek a substantial financial increase but was keen to ensure that Wimbledon retained its cultural relevance in its home market through updated presentation.
Wimbledon could, in theory, secure much more revenue by courting pay-TV broadcasters or streamers. UK broadcast regulations state that only the men’s and women’s singles finals must remain available on FTA television, leaving the rest of the tournament unprotected to rival broadcasters.
However it sees blanket FTA coverage on the BBC as essential to maintaining its status as the most prestigious tournament in tennis, with this reputation helping to drive demand from sponsors and secure lucrative media deals in overseas markets. In practice, most pay-TV broadcasters acknowledge that the tournament would not be as valuable behind a paywall.
“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,” said Alex Jay-Kelski, director of BBC Sport. “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.”
“For nearly a century, we have worked together to bring the magic of Wimbledon to generations of fans in the UK,” said Deborah Jevans, chair of the AELTC.
“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.”
The renewal also strengthens the BBC’s portfolio of major FTA sports rights after it extended its agreement with Uefa covering Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland men’s internationals.
The new two-year deal includes around 60 live matches, including Uefa Nations League fixtures and every Euro 2028 qualifier involving the three Home Nations.
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