BBC signs three year contract extension with Wimbledon

The BBC will continue broadcasting Wimbledon until 2020. As they has signed a new  deal with the All England Club for broadcasting free to air and includes live online and radio coverage.

Director general of BBC Tony Hall said Wimbledon “unites the nation” and that he was “delighted” with the deal. He also added: “In what are difficult financial times, the deal represents the BBC’s commitment to sport in what is an incredibly competitive market.”

All England Club chief executive Richard Lewis said, “Our long partnership with the BBC has brought the excitement and drama of the championships to viewers and listeners for over 80 years and we are delighted to be extending our successful association for a further three years until 2020. The BBC consistently delivers large national audiences for Wimbledon and they deliver those audiences with high-quality production values, live across multiple platforms and always with a strong narrative. Importantly, as host broadcaster for the championships, the BBC also ensures that we can provide a comprehensive and premium service to our global media partners.”

The BBC first broadcast from Wimbledon in 1937. Since then it is the longest partnership in sports broadcasting history. The tournament will continue to be played out across BBC One, BBC Two, the BBC Red Button and the BBC Sport website, with live radio coverage on Radio 5 live.

The director of BBC Sport Barbara Slater, added: “Wimbledon has a special place in the hearts of the nation and our new agreement ensures the world’s greatest tennis championships can be enjoyed free to air by the widest possible audience. Through unparalleled coverage across TV, radio and online, Wimbledon on the BBC will continue to unite the nation through must-see sporting moments, captivating audiences of all ages.”