Bristol sports programmer ESPN on Tuesday acquired the exclusive U.S. television rights for the Wimbledon tennis Grand Slam tournament for the next 12 years.
Financial terms weren’t disclosed.
The agreement adds to ESPN’s coverage of the men’s and women’s tennis tournament, giving the network the rights to air the final and the semi-final. ESPN will be the only network to air live Wimbledon matches in the U.S. between 2012-2023.
ESPN estimates its television coverage of the event will grow to 140 hours from 100 hours. It’s online broadcasts will increase to 750 hours from 650 hours.
“We are delighted to be extending our partnership with ESPN, in a move which will consolidate our U.S. media rights under the auspices of a single partner,” said Ian Ritchie, CEO of The All England Lawn Tennis Club, which operates Wimbledon.
