LONDON — BBC Sport has secured a three-year extension to its broadcast rights for the prestigious Queen's Club Championships, ensuring live coverage of the ATP 500 grass-court tournament will remain on free-to-air television until at least 2027. The deal, announced on Wednesday, solidifies the BBC's long-standing relationship with one of tennis's most historic events.
The Queen's Club Championships, officially known as the Cinch Championships for sponsorship reasons, serves as a key warm-up tournament for Wimbledon and attracts top-tier talent. Past champions include Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, and Pete Sampras. The BBC has broadcast the event since 1979, making it one of the longest-running sports partnerships in British television history.
A Commitment to Grass-Court Tennis
Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport, emphasized the importance of the deal in maintaining access to elite tennis for UK audiences: "The Queen's Club Championships is a cornerstone of the British sporting summer, and we're thrilled to continue bringing world-class tennis to fans across the nation. This extension reflects our commitment to delivering major sporting events free-to-air."
The tournament, held at London's Queen's Club since 1890, is renowned for its intimate atmosphere and high-quality grass courts, which mirror the conditions at Wimbledon. Key benefits of the BBC's coverage include:
- Live broadcasts across BBC One, BBC Two, and the iPlayer
- Comprehensive digital analysis via the BBC Sport website and app
- Expert commentary from former players, including Tim Henman and John McEnroe
Strengthening the BBC's Tennis Portfolio
The agreement complements the BBC's existing tennis rights, which include Wimbledon, the Australian Open, and the US Open. With the ATP Tour increasingly shifting behind paywalls, the Queen's deal ensures fans can still access top-level men's tennis without a subscription. Tournament director Luiz Carvalho welcomed the extension: "The BBC's coverage brings the drama and prestige of Queen's to millions. Their storytelling enhances the event's legacy and helps grow the sport."
The 2024 edition, scheduled for June 15–23, will feature defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, who used his 2023 victory as a springboard to Wimbledon glory. Other confirmed participants include Holger Rune and Taylor Fritz, ensuring a competitive field.
Financial and Viewership Impact
While financial terms were undisclosed, industry analysts estimate the deal's value at £5–7 million annually. The 2023 final between Alcaraz and Alex de Minaur drew a peak audience of 1.8 million on BBC Two, underscoring the event's popularity. The BBC's multi-platform approach has also boosted digital engagement, with highlights packages regularly exceeding 500,000 iPlayer views.
A Win for Grassroots Tennis
Beyond elite competition, the partnership includes commitments to grassroots initiatives. The BBC and Queen's Club will collaborate on youth programs and coaching clinics, aiming to inspire the next generation of British players. Former British No. 1 Laura Robson noted: "Free-to-air exposure is invaluable for attracting kids to tennis. Seeing their heroes at Queen's on the BBC can spark a lifelong passion for the game."
The deal also aligns with the Lawn Tennis Association's (LTA) broader strategy to increase participation. LTA chief executive Scott Lloyd praised the arrangement: "The BBC's coverage plays a vital role in showcasing our sport's appeal. This extension is fantastic news for tennis in Britain."
Looking Ahead to 2027
With the contract now running through 2027, the BBC plans to enhance its production with additional camera angles and augmented reality graphics. The tournament itself is expected to benefit from infrastructure upgrades, including a planned expansion of the Queen's Club grounds to accommodate larger crowds.
As the tennis calendar evolves, the Queen's Championships remain a rare constant—a blend of tradition and modernity. For the BBC, securing this extension ensures that one of summer's most anticipated sporting events stays accessible to all. Slater summed it up: "From Borg to Becker, Murray to Alcaraz, Queen's has given us unforgettable moments. We're proud to keep writing that story."
The 2024 Cinch Championships will begin on June 15, with full coverage across BBC platforms. With the new rights deal in place, fans can look forward to three more years of world-class tennis on free-to-air television.