‘I just don't see why…' – BBC commentator voices concerns after Wimbledon final rights are given to new TV channel
BBC commentator Andrew Castle has expressed concern after TNT Sports won rights to broadcast the Wimbledon final.
The broadcaster have the rights after taking over Eurosport, which previously aired a highlights package from the All England Club.
2
2
The BBC will continue their coverage of the Grand Slam as usual, including the final.
Castle, who is part of the BBC's Wimbledon commentary team, has expressed his desire to see the tournament remain on the Beeb.
He argues there would be no benefit in switching from free-to-air to a broadcaster such as TNT Sports.
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.
"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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
14 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Brawl breaks out on stage before George Kambosos vs Richardson Hitchins over $50,000 fight bet
GEORGE KAMBOSOS and Richardson Hitchins almost sparked a mass brawl on stage after clashing over a $50,000 fight bet. Kambosos returns to New York - where he stunned Teofimo Lopez to win the lightweight titles in 2021 - to challenge for Hitchins's 140lb IBF belt. 4 Richardson Hitchins challenged George Kambosos to a $50,000 bet Credit: Geoffrey Knott 4 It sparked a brawl on stage Credit: Geoffrey Knott 4 Hitchins trainer Lenny Wilson grabbed a chair Credit: Geoffrey Knott And the American champion brought $50,000 (£42,500) cash on stage with him at their press conference to challenge Kambosos to a wager. He said: 'As far as George Kambosos, a lot of people want to say that - you know when they fight me a lot of guys game plan to go forward, hit him in the shoulder, break him down. "That's every guy's f**cking game plan. I think that George Kambosos is at this level because obviously he's got boxing skills. That's what f***ed Teofimo up. "Teofimo came at him as if he was just a regular guy and you know he ran into his face. READ MORE IN boxing CRUISE CONTROL Jake Paul reveals he's in talks over TWO shock world title fights "Saturday night I'll be right in front of him all night long and if he's confident in himself, they say I'm easy work. I know for sure I'm confident in myself, I've been saying it since the face off. "I want to bet 50,000. His dad said he got the bet, so hold up, he said bring the money. The money's here, hold up." After Hitchins produced the cash - Kambosos alleged it was "fake" money causing the two camps to clash on stage. And Kambosos' dad and trainer Jim is said to have attacked Hitchins' trainer Lenny Wilson in defence as security were forced to intervene. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Kambosos, 31, has only lost to Devin Haney and Vasiliy Lomachenko and stepped up to super-lightweight to beat Jake Wyllie in March. Unbeaten Hitchins, 27, meanwhile won the title against Liam Paro in December to spoil an all-Aussie title bout against Kambosos. Kambosos, the challenger again, said: 'As you know, I love that underdog role, but there are no maybes, I'm doing this. There's no fake stuff. "I'm going to this home in a familiar place where I'm 2-0 already. This is the trifecta. Like Lenny said, the talk is finished and we don't need to sit and talk. "I'm coming here as the underdog and I'm coming here to win this fight. You have seen it before and I'm here to win this fight; whatever it takes there is no plan B. 'He's the one who is making statements and saying he's going to knock me out. "We have our plans and have worked extremely hard in training camp and who knows maybe I will learn from him and run the whole fight. "You know I can box and fight and dictate the fight to do whatever it takes. I can get knocked down and get back up again to win a championship fight. "I've seen it all at the highest level and have been at the pinnacle and he isn't. When you fight the best and beat the best and lose to the best you're still here. "This warrior is still here back at his favourite home grounds to do the trifecta in a Matchroom show and I never lost in America or a Matchroom show.'
The Sun
27 minutes ago
- The Sun
Premier League suffers huge drop in TV viewing figures on both Sky Sports and TNT Sports
THE Premier League suffered a drop in television viewing figures this season, with one key factor believed to be the reason. Sky Sports broadcast 128 games this term, with 52 on TNT Sports. 2 2 The remaining TV fixtures were streamed on Amazon Prime Video in December. Sky experienced a 10 per cent drop in viewing figures during the 2024-25 campaign, while TNT suffered a 17 per cent reduction. The drop comes after two record-breaking seasons, where Manchester City beat Arsenal to the Prem title on both occasions. Sky claims that numbers tracked closely with the 2023-24 season, but there was a drop-off in the final six weeks of the campaign. That has been put down to the lack of jeopardy at both ends of the Premier League table. Liverpool wrapped up the title at the end of April with four games left to play. Meanwhile, Southampton, Ipswich Town and Leicester City were relegated weeks before the end of the campaign. That meant the only things left to play for on the final day of the season were the European spots. Man City Chelsea and Newcastle secured their place in the Champions League on the last day. Meanwhile, Aston Villa took the second Europa League place after Crystal Palace confirmed the first by winning the FA Cup final against City. And Nottingham Forest booked their place in the UEFA Conference League by finishing seventh. From next season, Sky Sports will broadcast at least 215 games live. TNT Sports will continue showing 52 matches, including the Saturday lunchtime slot.
Scottish Sun
27 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Premier League suffers huge drop in TV viewing figures on both Sky Sports and TNT Sports
Sky will show even more Prem games from next season ON THE BOX Premier League suffers huge drop in TV viewing figures on both Sky Sports and TNT Sports THE Premier League suffered a drop in television viewing figures this season, with one key factor believed to be the reason. Sky Sports broadcast 128 games this term, with 52 on TNT Sports. 2 Sky Sports experienced a drop in viewing figures Credit: Getty 2 TNT Sports also suffered a reduction Credit: Getty The remaining TV fixtures were streamed on Amazon Prime Video in December. Sky experienced a 10 per cent drop in viewing figures during the 2024-25 campaign, while TNT suffered a 17 per cent reduction. The drop comes after two record-breaking seasons, where Manchester City beat Arsenal to the Prem title on both occasions. Sky claims that numbers tracked closely with the 2023-24 season, but there was a drop-off in the final six weeks of the campaign. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL GAME CHANGER Major Premier League TV change with broadcasting giant to lose all coverage That has been put down to the lack of jeopardy at both ends of the Premier League table. Liverpool wrapped up the title at the end of April with four games left to play. Meanwhile, Southampton, Ipswich Town and Leicester City were relegated weeks before the end of the campaign. That meant the only things left to play for on the final day of the season were the European spots. Man City, Chelsea and Newcastle secured their place in the Champions League on the last day. Meanwhile, Aston Villa took the second Europa League place after Crystal Palace confirmed the first by winning the FA Cup final against City. Liverpool's £100m Barcola bid / Gyokeres forces Man Utd move / Grealish City axe | Transfers Exposed And Nottingham Forest booked their place in the UEFA Conference League by finishing seventh. From next season, Sky Sports will broadcast at least 215 games live. TNT Sports will continue showing 52 matches, including the Saturday lunchtime slot.
