BBC commentator Andrew Castle has voiced his concerns following the news that TNT Sports has acquired rights to broadcast the Wimbledon final.
TNT Sports gained these rights after taking over Eurosport.
In May 2024, Eurosport extended its broadcasting agreement with the All England Club, a deal that includes rights to the men`s and women`s singles finals.
This agreement, which began in 2016, also provided the broadcaster with a daily 90-minute package of tennis highlights from SW19.
The BBC is set to continue its coverage of the Grand Slam tournament as usual, including broadcasting the final.
However, Castle, a member of the BBC`s Wimbledon commentary team, insists that the tournament should remain available on free-to-air television, irrespective of any deals struck with subscription broadcasters.
Speaking to Betway, Castle stated: “I don’t think they ever would [allow a rival broadcaster to take over].”
“As far as a domestic audience in the UK is concerned, I’d be very surprised if it wasn’t on the BBC and free to air.”
“But I’ve been surprised before. I just don’t see why or the particular benefit and that’s what matters to me.”
“It’s an institution and an event, not a tennis tournament. As long as people see it because it is the big showcase.”
“When I think of Wimbledon on the BBC, what is really lovely is there are no commercial breaks.”
“And from my point of view in commentary, I’ve got to think about what we are going to talk about in the breaks with Tim Henman, John McEnroe, Nick Kyrgios – that’s what I’m thinking about towards the end of a game.”
Separately, Nick Kyrgios has reportedly been excluded from the BBC`s coverage of the Wimbledon tournament this year.
This news comes approximately a year after the Australian player admitted to assaulting his ex-girlfriend, which led to public criticism of the BBC`s decision to include him in their commentary team last year.
Kyrgios had also hoped to participate in the tournament as a player, but a persistent injury has prevented his return to court.
