The BBC’s rights to show Wimbledon are set to expire this year but a new deal will be signed soon to ensure the tournament remains on free-to-air TV, experts explain
The 90s were marked by fierce boardroom battles that saw top-tier football vanish almost completely from free-to-air television, and the BBC’s once-unchallenged dominance over cricket and Formula One has also crumbled.
Yet, Wimbledon retains its unshakeable grip on the Summer TV schedules. On their podcast ‘The Rest Is Entertainment’, pundits Marina Hyde and Richard Osman delve into why the prestigious tennis event remains a perennial highlight on the BBC’s schedule.
While this year could technically mark the BBC’s final Wimbledon broadcast, with rights set to expire in 2024, Marina points out the improbability of the tournament fading from public view.
“These are the things that are listed by law, and they are said to be of major importance to society,” she says, listing the key events: “The Grand National, the Derby, World Cup, the Euros, the FA Cup, the Scottish Cup Finals, the Rugby World Cup Final, the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final, the Olympics, the Paralympics, and Wimbledon.”
The Department of Culture, Media and Sport has officially stated: “A listed event is one which is generally felt to have special national resonance,” reports the Express.
“It should contain an element which serves to unite the nation, a shared point on the national calendar, not solely of interest to those who follow the sport in question.”
Marina outlined her concerns over Test cricket’s television coverage, pointing out the sport hasn’t seen free-to-air exposure since Channel 4 aired the 2005 Ashes series. “Cricket has not been listed since 1998,” she explained.
Marina believes iconic events like The Ashes should be accessible to all, stating “This is a big problem… I think The Ashes should definitely be listed. I think that should be on free-to-air.”
Her views on Wimbledon, however, are slightly more traditional. She feels that Wimbledon and the BBC share a powerful bond.
“I do think it’s so associated with the BBC. And I very much hope it sticks with the BBC because they’ve done a terrific job over the years.”
She elaborated on sporting events decisions regarding broadcasting rights, saying: “Different sports have different equations to make about whether they want more money, for whether they want more exposure on a terrestrial channel. So Wimbledon has to be on a terrestrial channel. It’s got this amazing relationship with the BBC.”
Marina admired the synergy between Wimbledon and its longtime broadcaster: “I think they understand that it feels like the most extraordinary thing. And what a brand Wimbledon is, and the BBC has been a huge part in that. And they’re super, super smart, the Wimbledon people.”
