IBM and The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), organizers of The Championships, Wimbledon, have announced a multi-year extension of their long-standing technology partnership.
The renewal solidifies IBM’s role as the official AI, Cloud, and Digital Transformation Partner, aiming to enhance fan engagement and expand Wimbledon’s global digital reach. This collaboration, which spans over three decades, underscores the increasing reliance of major sports organizations on advanced technology to deliver immersive fan experiences and streamline operations.
According to the companies, the renewed agreement extends a partnership that began in 1990, with a focus on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and hybrid cloud technologies. IBM claims this will enable new and enhanced digital experiences for fans of The Championships, Wimbledon, for the 2026 tournament and beyond. The partnership has previously supported milestones such as the launch of the Wimbledon website in 1995 and the mobile application in 2009, with AI-powered solutions first integrated in 2017.
- Engagement Across All Platforms: 16% year-on-year increase in 2025 (IBM claim)
- Mobile App Engagement: 19% increase in 2025 (IBM claim)
- Mobile App Rating: Outstanding average rating of 4.9 stars in app stores (IBM claim)
- Fan Following: More than 20 million fans followed via the app and website in 2025 (IBM claim)
- Total Digital Engagements: 19.1 billion across digital, social, and broadcast channels in 2025 (IBM claim)
The extension of this partnership highlights a broader trend in the sports industry where AI and cloud computing are becoming central to fan interaction and operational efficiency. IBM’s collaboration with Wimbledon, which has been described as one of the most successful technology partnerships in sport, has historically introduced features like “Live Likelihood to Win” and “Match Chat,” an AI-powered assistant, leveraging IBM watsonx capabilities. A global survey from IBM and Morning Consult indicates that 86% of tennis fans worldwide value AI-powered features, particularly for real-time insights and personalized content.
This aligns with the wider adoption of AI in sports for everything from player performance analysis and injury prevention to scouting and automated broadcasting, as seen across various leagues and tournaments globally. Wimbledon has consistently aimed to blend its rich tradition with technological innovation, setting a benchmark for other sporting events. More information about The Championships can be found at www.wimbledon.com. IBM also maintains similar tech partnerships with other major sporting events, including the US Open and the Masters golf tournament, showcasing its widespread influence in sports technology.
The renewed partnership is expected to focus on delivering even more personalized and immersive digital experiences, ensuring Wimbledon remains accessible and engaging for a global audience. While specific new initiatives for the 2026 tournament are yet to be announced, the continued emphasis on AI-powered capabilities suggests further innovations in fan engagement and data-driven insights.
This strategic alliance is crucial for Wimbledon as it seeks to attract new generations of fans and maintain its position at the pinnacle of international sport. For investors interested in IBM’s strategic partnerships and financial performance, more details are available on their investor relations page. The evolution of this long-standing collaboration will likely provide further case studies for the transformative power of AI and cloud in live events.
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