The BBC may be at risk of losing the rights to Wimbledon as their contract is coming to an end and others are lining up to broadcast the iconic event with bidding set to start later this year.
Wimbledon has been broadcast on the BBC for the past 90 years, however their contract ends in 2027. The corporation presently pays £60 million annually to the All England Club for exclusive coverage of the SW19 tournament.
This arrangement has ensured the prestigious competition remains free-to-air for British viewers as a Category A "crown jewel" event. The BBC's coverage team, featuring Clare Balding, Tim Henman and John McEnroe, has become synonymous with the Championships.
However, two major broadcasters are now circling the rights ahead of negotiations for the 2028-2030 seasons. The potential bidding war threatens to drive up costs significantly for the BBC if they wish to maintain their historic association with tennis's most famous tournament.
BBC have had the rights to Wimbledon for 90 years
PA
TNT Sports has emerged as the primary challenger to the BBC's dominance. The broadcaster, part of the Warner Bros Discovery group, will already show this year's men's and women's singles finals alongside the BBC after acquiring Eurosport.
The company has demonstrated its commitment to tennis by securing an extension of French Open coverage through to 2030.
Warner Bros Discovery has previously disrupted the BBC's sports portfolio, notably taking over Olympics broadcasting for the past two Games.
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Their aggressive expansion into tennis coverage signals serious intent to compete for Wimbledon's broadcasting rights.
Sky Sports has also entered the frame as a potential bidder for Wimbledon rights. The broadcaster already holds exclusive UK coverage of the US Open and broadcasts both the ATP and WTA tours.
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TNT Sports are eyeing up a move for more then just the singles finals
PAThis existing tennis portfolio would make Wimbledon a natural addition to Sky's sports offering. Their established infrastructure for tennis coverage and deep pockets could make them a formidable competitor in any bidding process.
The prospect of multiple broadcasters vying for rights has raised concerns among traditionalists.
BBC commentator Andrew Castle expressed his views last month, stating: "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."
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The increased competition means the BBC will likely need to exceed their current £60 million annual payment to secure future rights, with the bidding process set to start later this year.
With both TNT Sports and Sky Sports possessing substantial financial resources and existing tennis portfolios, the bidding process could become particularly intense.
Castle highlighted the unique advantages of BBC coverage, noting: "When I think of Wimbledon on the BBC, what is really lovely is there are no commercial breaks."
He added: "It's an institution and an event, not a tennis tournament. As long as people see it because it is the big showcase."
Sky Sports is also looking to expand their tennis coverage
PADespite his optimism about the BBC retaining coverage, Castle acknowledged uncertainty, saying: "But I've been surprised before." The corporation faces a challenging negotiation when discussions begin for the post-2027 broadcasting arrangements.
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