BBC extend Wimbledon coverage deal

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Wimbledon will continue to be broadcast on the BBC until at least 2017 after the corporation's contract as host broadcaster and UK rights holder was extended by three years.

Ian Ritchie, chief executive of the All England Club, said: "Wimbledon fans have been enjoying the BBC's broadcast coverage of The Championships since 1927 and we are delighted to be extending this enduring and successful partnership for a further three years."

Barbara Slater, director of BBC Sport said: "The BBC's first ever live sport broadcast was from Wimbledon and we are proud that our new deal means the longest partnership in sports broadcasting continues.

"We know that Wimbledon fortnight has a very special place in the hearts of the UK public. We are delighted that our new agreement ensures coverage of The Championships remains free to air and available to licence fee payers."

The BBC came in for fierce criticism earlier this year for agreeing to a new deal over Formula One coverage.

From next year, Sky Sports will screen all practice, qualifying and grands prix live, while the BBC will now show 50% of the races, with the remainder aired via a deferred highlights package.

The BBC made no secret of the fact that the deal was struck to save money on the remaining two seasons of their £40million-per-year contract with Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One Management.

PA