For the first time in 88 years, the BBC will share coverage of Wimbledon's singles finals with another broadcaster when TNT Sports airs the prestigious matches this summer.
The historic change comes after TNT Sports acquired the rights package from Eurosport, which ceased UK operations in February. Whilst the BBC maintains its comprehensive tournament coverage, TNT Sports will now also broadcast both the men's and women's singles finals.
The development marks the end of the BBC's exclusive hold on finals coverage, which has been a fixture of British summer television since 1937.
Wimbledon's status as a Category A event under Ofcom regulations ensures that live coverage must remain available on free-to-air channels. However, these rules also permit paid networks to share broadcasting rights, provided terrestrial television continues to show the tournament.
The BBC has become synonymous with Wimbledon
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This regulatory framework has enabled TNT Sports to secure partial rights to the championships. The BBC has held exclusive coverage since beginning its Wimbledon broadcasts nearly nine decades ago, making this summer's shared arrangement a significant shift in UK tennis broadcasting.
The All England Club's decision to allow dual coverage reflects the changing landscape of sports media rights in Britain.
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TNT Sports inherited the broadcasting package after purchasing Eurosport, which had secured a five-year agreement with the All England Club last year.
The network's UK operations concluded in February, with TNT Sports taking over the existing rights deal.
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The tennis world will descend on SW19 once again
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Under the new arrangement, TNT Sports will broadcast only the singles finals, whilst the BBC retains exclusive live coverage of all other matches throughout the fortnight.
The BBC's coverage typically includes multiple court options through its red button service.
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The corporation will continue providing extensive coverage across BBC One and BBC Two, with every match available on iPlayer. Additional coverage will be offered through radio broadcasts, online platforms and the BBC Sport app.
The BBC's presenting team for this year's tournament remains unconfirmed, though speculation suggests Andy Murray might join as a pundit following the conclusion of his coaching arrangement with Novak Djokovic.
All the attention will be on Centre Court come the singles finals
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The three-time Grand Slam champion previously appeared in the commentary box during the 2018 championships whilst recovering from hip surgery. However, Murray acknowledged at the time that he found the broadcasting role less than enjoyable.
His recent availability has fuelled rumours of a potential return to SW19 in a media capacity, though no official announcement has been made regarding the BBC's commentary lineup for the historic shared-coverage tournament.
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