BBC set to retain Wimbledon broadcasting rights amidst concerns over coverage
The BBC looks set to retain broadcasting rights for Wimbledon when the current deal expires following the 2027 Championships, despite concerns from senior figures, reports BritPanorama.
Preliminary discussions have begun between senior figures at the All England Club regarding the next contract. While a strong commitment to the longstanding relationship with the public broadcaster remains, there are growing concerns about the quality of the current coverage.
Tournament officials have indicated that they believe the BBC’s presentation has become predictable and lacks the dynamism required for modern broadcasting. One insider highlighted that the priority is “to ensure that how we show the tennis during the championship is innovative and has the best presenters.” The corporation now faces the challenge of presenting a compelling vision to modernise its coverage in line with the expectations of the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club’s directors.
Competitors have set high standards for tennis coverage, exemplified by Sky Sports, which holds ATP, WTA, and US Open rights until 2029. Their broadcasts feature live courtside analysis from former players such as Laura Robson and Tim Henman, presenting a model the BBC must aspire to meet.
In particular, TNT Sports attracted attention during the French Open last May with a multi-court viewing experience, allowing viewers to follow key matches while commentary from a trio of expert pundits enhanced the viewing experience. This format diverged from traditional single-match coverage, promoting a more engaging dynamic for tennis fans.
Recruiting high-profile figures could be a potential avenue for refreshing the BBC’s on-screen talent, with names like Andy Murray, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal being considered for punditry roles. However, none of these tennis legends has yet signalled a willingness to move into broadcasting.
Current BBC presenters have received criticism from sources within the industry. One source commented, “John McEnroe is great although he can split opinion, but some of the other presenters and pundits at Wimbledon seem out of touch.” This underscores the challenge of catering to traditional audiences while modernising the presentation to reflect changing preferences in tennis broadcasting.
The BBC currently pays approximately £60 million annually for the rights and is expected to match inflation in any new agreement. The All England Club acknowledges the financial constraints the corporation faces. The tournament continues to draw significant viewership, with 11.3 million people tuning in for the 2023 men’s final and 8.8 million for Jannik Sinner’s victory over Carlos Alcaraz the previous year. Next year will also mark a century since the BBC’s initial radio broadcast from Wimbledon.
As the landscape of sports broadcasting evolves, the forthcoming negotiations will be pivotal in determining the future of Wimbledon’s coverage, shaping how the tournament is presented to its audience.
