The BBC has been instructed to revitalise its Wimbledon coverage, which some within the sport have labelled 'outdated', as formal talks begin over a new broadcast deal. The All England Club is keen to maintain its historic partnership with the corporation when the current £60 million-per-year contract expires after the 2027 Championships, but has made clear its desire for a more innovative approach.
A Century-Long Partnership Under Review
Discussions regarding the future of Wimbledon's broadcasting rights are now underway. While there is a strong mutual desire to continue a relationship that dates back to the first radio broadcast in 1924, tournament organisers believe the BBC's current output has become stale compared to rival broadcasters covering other tennis majors. An industry insider told The Times that while commentator John McEnroe remains a standout, other presenters and pundits can seem "out of touch" with modern players.
The BBC's massive reach remains its greatest asset. Last year's tournament achieved a record 69.3 million digital video views, with the men's singles final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz peaking at 8.8 million viewers across TV and online. This unparalleled audience, delivered free-to-air across BBC One, BBC Two and digital platforms, is a key reason the All England Club favours the BBC over a higher bidder.
Potential Rivals and the Innovation Imperative
Although TNT Sports – which holds rights for the Australian and French Opens – is unlikely to challenge for the main rights, Sky Sports is viewed as a potential competitor. Sky boasts a dedicated tennis channel and holds the US Open rights until 2029. This competitive landscape has heightened the call for the BBC to modernise.
A source from Wimbledon stated there is a clear consensus within the All England Club that the championship's broadcast must be innovative and feature top-tier presenting talent. The challenge for the BBC is to balance the beloved tradition of its coverage with fresh, engaging content that appeals to new and existing fans. BBC Sport director Alex Kay-Jelski acknowledged this shift, noting last year's record digital figures showed how audience habits are changing, presenting an "exciting" opportunity to tell stories in new ways.
Negotiations and the Road to 2027
Finalising a new agreement may be delayed until the BBC appoints a new Director-General, following Tim Davie's departure in November 2025. However, the core principle of the negotiations is already established: it is not solely about securing the highest financial bid. An insider emphasised that the decision is about "what is right for Wimbledon," acknowledging the unique value of the BBC's free-to-air platform.
The BBC now faces the task of presenting compelling plans to rejuvenate its coverage of the prestigious grass-court Grand Slam. With the current deal running until 2027, the corporation has time to innovate, but the instruction from SW19 is clear: evolve or risk losing relevance in a competitive sports broadcasting market.
