IBM and The All England Lawn Tennis Club announced a multi-year extension of their technology partnership on Monday.
The deal continues a collaboration that began in 1995 with the launch of Wimbledon’s website and expanded to include AI-powered features starting in 2017.
The partnership has produced digital tools such as “Live Likelihood to Win” and “Match Chat”, which leverage IBM’s WatsonX AI platform to process match data.
In 2025, the Wimbledon app and website drew more than 20 million users during the tournament, marking a 16% increase in engagement year-over-year.
The mobile app saw 19% higher engagement and maintained a 4.9-star rating in app stores.
IBM and the All England Club work year-round to develop fan-facing features.
The partnership earned the club recognition as “Sports Organisation of the Year” at the 2025 Sports Technology Awards for its use of AI in enhancing the spectator experience.
Why This Matters Today
The renewal signals continued investment in AI-driven sports broadcasting at a time when tournaments compete for digital audiences.
A survey IBM conducted with Morning Consult found 86% of tennis fans see value in AI-powered features, particularly real-time insights and personalized highlights.
Wimbledon’s digital platforms now serve a global audience that dwarfs the half-million attendees who visit the grounds each year.
The tournament has used its IBM partnership to maintain relevance with younger fans who consume sports primarily through mobile devices and expect interactive, data-rich experiences.
Our Key Takeaways:
- IBM and Wimbledon extended their 36-year technology partnership for multiple years, continuing their collaboration on AI-powered digital features for The Championships.
- Wimbledon’s digital platforms saw 16% higher engagement in 2025, with the mobile app alone drawing 19% more users and maintaining a 4.9-star average rating.
- The partnership will focus on expanding global reach and personalizing fan experiences using IBM’s WatsonX AI platform, as 86% of tennis fans report valuing AI-driven features.
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