The BBC has hosted Wimbledon for a staggering 90 years, but now reports suggest the rights to the tennis tournament in SW19 could be poached by two rival broadcasters
Despite hosting Wimbledon for a jaw-dropping 90 years, the BBC may be at risk of losing the rights to the iconic tennis tournament, according to reports.
For decades, the broadcaster has given us some of the world’s most epic matches from SW19, featuring stars, including Andy Murray, Serena Williams and Rafa Nadal, along with commentary from some of the game’s biggest stars. However, the Beeb is now reportedly facing a fight to retain its rights to Wimbledon – with two rival broadcasters eyeing up mega-money deals to get a slice of the annual action, which attracts millions of viewers.
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According to City AM, the BBC pays £60m to the All England Tennis Club to broadcast Wimbledon each year, keeping it free to watch for anyone with a TV license.
Its trusted coverage and commentary from the likes of Tim Henman and John McEnroe is a big hit with fans. However, the corporation’s current deal expires in 2027, meaning it may have to pay more than £60m if it wants to secure the rights for 2028 to 2030.
The Broadcast Act of 1996 also states that while Wimbledon must be accessible via free terrestrial TV it does not guarantee exclusive broadcasting.
This is said to have made way for huge broadcasters Sky Sports and TNT Sports to potentially broadcast Wimbledon themselves in the future.
TNT Sports is already set to broadcast this year’s men’s and women’s singles finals alongside the BBC after taking over Eurosport. They have also been presenting part of the Olympic Games for the past two years.
Sky Sports, meanwhile, already has a huge following and has exclusive rights to the US Open, as well as the ATP and WTA tours.
Speaking last month, BBC commentator Andrew Castle said he didn’t think the BBC would “allow” anyone else to present Wimbledon.
Speaking via Betway, he said: “I don’t think they ever would [allow a rival broadcaster to take over].
“In terms of a domestic audience in the UK is concerned, I’d be very surprised if it wasn’t on the BBC and free to air. But I’ve been surprised before. I just don’t see why or the particular benefit and that’s what matters to me.
“It’s an institution and an event, not a tennis tournament. As long as people see it because it is the big showcase.”
Adding he was also a big fan of not being bombarded with adverts during the coverage, he added: “When I think of Wimbledon on the BBC, what is really lovely is there are no commercial breaks.”
The much-loved tennis tournament is now underway after kicking off on Monday and will finish on Sunday, July 13, when the men’s singles final is played on Centre Court.
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz is the defending champion in the men’s singles while Czech star Barbora Krejcikova won last year’s women’s singles title.
The Mirror has contacted the BBC for comment on this story.
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