credit: Shutterstock
credit: Shutterstock

The BBC has extended the longest sports broadcasting partnership in history with the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), which will see the broadcaster continue to screen Wimbledon for the next three years until 2027.

The agreement, which ensures the Grand Slam remains free-to-air across BBC television, online and radio, will see the grass-court Grand Slam continue to be broadcast across BBC One, BBC Two, BBC online, BBC iPlayer and on BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Live Sports Extra.

“We are absolutely delighted to have extended our historic partnership,” noted Mick Desmond, Commercial and Media Director at the All England Club.

“The BBC is as synonymous with Wimbledon as strawberries and cream, and enables us to reach all corners of the UK through their outstanding production and network of platforms. We are really looking forward to continuing to take this relationship from strength to strength, and celebrating 100 years together in 2027.”

Next year marks the 85th anniversary in the history of the relationship when Wimbledon was first broadcast on the BBC and the partnership will also reach the 100-year milestone of radio in 2027.

This year’s edition of the Grand Slam attracted a cumulative average audience of 15.5 million across 43.5 hours of coverage on the first three days, according to Nielsen Sports statistics, and the sport continues to reach new audiences on the BBC.

“Wimbledon has a special place in the hearts of the nation and with this extension we can continue our longstanding and valued partnership with the All England Club,” explained Barbara Slater, Director BBC Sport.

“Wimbledon on the BBC will continue to bring the nation must-see sporting moments free-to-air captivating audiences of all ages.”

Meanwhile, the AELTC has extended its broadcasting arrangement with ESPN until 2035, which covers North and South America, including Canada and Brazil, continuing the 20-plus year relationship between the AELTC and the US sports broadcaster, which became exclusive in 2012.

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