BBC commentator Andrew Castle has expressed concern after TNT Sports won rights to broadcast the Wimbledon final.
The broadcaster has the rights after taking over Eurosport.
GettyAndrew Castle expressed his concerns with moving Wimbledon away from free-to-air[/caption]
AFPTNT Sports will air the Wimbledon final as well as the BBC[/caption]
In May 2024, Eurosport extended its broadcast deal with the All England club, which included the men’s and women’s singles finals.
As part of the deal, which started in 2016, the broadcaster was also handed a daily 90-minute package of tennis highlights from SW19.
The BBC will continue their coverage of the Grand Slam as usual, including the final.
And Castle, who is part of the BBC’s Wimbledon commentary team, says the tournament must stay on free-to-air TV regardless of deals with other subscription broadcasters.
Castle told Betway: “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.
“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.
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“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.”
Krygios has reportedly been axed from the BBC’s SW19 coverage this year.
It comes roughly a year after the Aussie admitted to assaulting his ex-girlfriend, which meant his selection by the BBC last year sparked backlash.
Krygios had also hoped to play in the tournament but a recurring injury has ruled him out of returning to court as a player.
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