IBM has extended its technology partnership with Wimbledon until 2030 to implement a new digital transformation plan, the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club confirmed. The plan aims to enhance fan engagement by leveraging AI and digital tools across Wimbledon’s platforms. In 2025, Wimbledon’s digital channels reached an estimated 730 million people and generated around 18 billion impressions, underscoring the scale of its global audience, according to fortune.com.
The partnership dates back to 1991 when IBM introduced serve-speed radar at Wimbledon, and it has evolved to include the tournament’s website since 1995, the app launched in 2009, and AI features first introduced in 2017. This year, IBM’s technology hub, known as “Court 19,” powers real-time data collection and analysis from matches. Wimbledon’s marketing and commercial director, Usama Al-Qassab, said the goal is to engage more people in more meaningful ways across more places and times, reflecting a strategic focus on expanding digital fan experiences, fortune.com reported.
Wimbledon attracts over half a million visitors during the Grand Slam fortnight, but the majority of its audience follows digitally. Visits to the official website and app increased by over 20% in the past year, while registrations to the myWimbledon platform grew by 39%. The app supports year-round services including ticketing and player information, with traffic surging during the Championships. IBM’s AI-driven analytics provide insights from 2.7 million data points, helping enhance broadcast and fan interaction, according to fortune.com.
The extended deal solidifies IBM’s role as Wimbledon’s technology partner for nearly four decades, with the next major tournament scheduled for July 2026. The partnership’s focus on AI and digital innovation aims to sustain and grow Wimbledon’s global reach and fan engagement through advanced data analytics and real-time digital experiences, fortune.com noted.