IBM and The All England Club: A Lasting Partnership Fueled by Innovation

A Legacy of Collaboration

In a noteworthy announcement on January 6, 2026, IBM and the All England Lawn Tennis Club revealed a multi-year renewal of their long-standing technology partnership. This collaboration, which dates back 36 years, has consistently set the standard for integrating technology into sports, creating captivating digital experiences for fans of The Championships, Wimbledon.

From the launch of the Wimbledon website in 1995 to the introduction of a mobile app in 2009 and enhanced AI features in 2017, IBM and the All England Club have tirelessly worked together to transform how fans interact with Wimbledon. Their innovative approach has made sequential advancements in technology a hallmark of the Wimbledon experience.

Pioneering Digital Experiences

The renewed partnership will focus on deploying new AI-powered solutions designed to engage fans on a deeper level. Innovations include features like Live Likelihood to Win and Match Chat, which utilize vast datasets generated during The Championships, coupled with the advanced AI capabilities of IBM’s watsonx platform.

As a result of these joint initiatives, fan engagement has soared. In 2025 alone, there was a substantial 16% year-on-year increase in overall platform engagement, with over 20 million fans immersing themselves in the action via the app and website. The mobile app distinguished itself by achieving an impressive 4.9-star rating across app stores and witnessing a 19% boost in user interaction.

Award-Winning Innovations

The groundbreaking accomplishments of this partnership have not gone unnoticed. The All England Club was honored as the ‘Sports Organisation of the Year’ at the 2025 Sports Technology Awards, which recognized their innovative application of technology and AI to enhance the Wimbledon experience. Such accolades underscore the effectiveness of their collaborative efforts in making technology a central theme in the sporting world.

Future-Ready with AI

IBM and the All England Club have their sights firmly set on the future. Usama Al-Qassab, Marketing & Commercial Director of the All England Club, expressed excitement about the partnership’s extension. He emphasized the need for AI-powered capabilities to attract a new generation of fans. The future of Wimbledon will hinge on delivering relevant, personalized, and engaging digital experiences, crystallizing the idea that technology and tradition can coexist harmoniously.

The Fan’s Perspective

According to a global survey conducted by IBM and Morning Consult, a striking 86% of tennis enthusiasts value AI-driven features, indicating a strong appetite for real-time insights and personalized content. This statistic highlights a significant shift in how fans want to consume sports—demanding dynamic interactions that enhance their viewing experience.

Commitment to Innovation

As they move forward, both IBM and the All England Lawn Tennis Club are committed to harnessing new technologies to create more immersive experiences for fans globally. By enabling easier access to content, they aim to grow tennis’s presence on the world stage, making it more exciting and engaging for millions.

About IBM

IBM stands as a leading provider of hybrid cloud and AI solutions, helping clients in over 175 countries leverage their data for business transformation. IBM’s innovations extend across critical sectors, emphasizing trust and transparency, which align seamlessly with their partnership with the All England Club.

About The All England Lawn Tennis Club

Founded in 1868, the All England Lawn Tennis Club is responsible for staging Wimbledon, the oldest Grand Slam tournament. Their dedication to maintaining the traditions of this historic event while embracing modern-day innovation ensures that Wimbledon remains a pinnacle of excellence in the sporting world.

Media Contacts and Further Information

For more insights or inquiries about the partnership, interested parties can reach out to media contacts such as Sunny Tucker or the AELTC Communications team, demonstrating a commitment to keeping fans informed and engaged in this transformative journey.

Through continued collaboration, IBM and the All England Club aim to reshape the future of sports technology, ensuring that the legacy of Wimbledon continues to evolve, making it ever more accessible and exciting for all.