Last Updated on June 27, 2023
Wimbledon, a tennis tournament renowned globally for its prestige and history, captivates millions of spectators each year. The gripping matches, iconic players, and the unmistakable aura of the Centre Court are indeed enthralling, but there’s much more happening behind the scenes that contributes to the event’s enormous success. The tournament relies heavily on the support and contributions of a diverse range of sponsors, each of which plays a unique role in creating an unforgettable Wimbledon experience.
The prestigious Wimbledon 2023 is no different. This grand tournament is backed by an array of sponsors who lend their expertise, products, and services to enhance the event. From supplying the official tennis balls to providing technological solutions, refreshing beverages, fashionable outfits, and much more, these sponsors ensure that both the players and spectators enjoy the tournament to the fullest.
In this article, we delve into the profiles of these key sponsors. Understanding their unique contributions and how they collectively elevate the world-class tennis tournament gives us a fascinating glimpse into the workings of Wimbledon. From the court to the stands, let’s uncover the stories behind the brands that make Wimbledon the spectacular event it is.
Wimbledon Owners
The owners of the Wimbledon Championship are none other than the esteemed All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC). Founded in 1868, the club initially dedicated its grounds to croquet, a popular sport during that era. However, as the allure of lawn tennis grew, the club broadened its scope and embraced the emerging sport. The club held its inaugural Wimbledon Championship in 1877, setting the stage for the globally-renowned tournament that we know today.
The AELTC is more than just the owner of Wimbledon; it is the heart and soul of the tournament. The club meticulously oversees every facet of the championship – from planning and organization to execution. Located in the suburb of Wimbledon, the club’s grounds serve as the official venue for the event. It has overseen the growth and development of the tournament, transforming it into a platform that hosts the world’s best tennis players.
Though the club’s site has changed locations since its inception, moving from Worple Road to its current Church Road address in 1922, its dedication to Wimbledon remains unwavering. Maintaining its age-old traditions, such as the grass-court surface and the all-white dress code for players, the AELTC ensures that the historical essence of Wimbledon is preserved. The club’s commitment to excellence and tradition contributes significantly to Wimbledon’s standing as the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament.
Wimbledon Sponsors
Slazenger – Official Ball
Slazenger boasts the longest partnership in sporting goods history, having been the Official Supplier of tennis balls to the Wimbledon Championships since 1902. It provides an astounding 54,250 balls for the tournament each year, with each ball thoroughly tested for weight, bounce, and compression. This partnership has showcased Slazenger’s unwavering commitment to quality and innovation in sports equipment.
The Slazenger team collaborates closely with top sports scientists at Loughborough University to ensure that the high standards set by The All England Lawn Tennis Club are met. This partnership has reinforced Slazenger’s reputation as a trusted name in tennis. With its dedication to product design, youth development, and its endorsements of top international players, Slazenger truly forms an integral part of the Wimbledon Championships.
IBM – Official Information Technology
IBM has been a pillar of technological support for the Wimbledon Championships for over 30 years. As the Official Technology Partner, IBM Consulting works hand in hand with the AELTC, bringing the exhilaration of Wimbledon to more than 20 million people around the globe.
IBM utilizes a flexible, innovative platform that incorporates technology from numerous partners, transforming a vast array of tennis data into insights and automating key business processes. It also ensures the security of the digital experience provided by the Championships. IBM’s unique capabilities allow it to solve the most pressing business problems, providing the necessary hardware, software, and consulting solutions, regardless of whether these come from IBM itself or from its ecosystem partners.
Lanson – Official Champagne
A historic Champagne House tracing its origins to pre-revolutionary France, Lanson was founded in 1760. Today, it remains a family-owned business, distributing its wines across all five continents and more than 120 countries. Lanson has been intimately associated with Wimbledon since 1977, and in recent years it was selected as the Official Supplier of Champagne to the Championships.
The champagne is available in all nine bars and hospitality marquees on the grounds, becoming an integral part of the Wimbledon experience. As an independent, active business, Lanson’s contribution not only brings an element of celebration to the Championships, but also adds a touch of elegance and tradition.
Ralph Lauren – Official Outfitter
Polo Ralph Lauren holds the distinct honor of being the first designer in the history of the Championships to partner with The All England Lawn Tennis Club and outfit all on-court officials. This partnership marries the heritage of the brand with modern fabrications and silhouettes, respecting both the timeless Ralph Lauren aesthetic and the Wimbledon tournament’s heritage.
The partnership, which took a major step forward with the launch of a redesigned uniform in 2022, also led to the creation of an exclusive Wimbledon collection. Each year, Ralph Lauren offers a curated selection of styles inspired by the world’s best-dressed tournament. These are available at Ralph Lauren stores, The Centre Court Shop (Wimbledon), exclusive fashion stores, and ralphlauren.com. The Polo Ralph Lauren store situated in Wimbledon’s Southern Village also presents a unique shopping experience for Wimbledon guests.
Also Read:
- Who Are The Sponsors Of The French Open 2023?
- 10 Best Places To Stay Near Wimbledon In 2023
- Who Has Won The Most Wimbledon Titles?
- How Many Courts Are There At Wimbledon?
Evian – Official Water
Evian, with its purity and refined style, is the natural choice for tennis stars aiming for victory on Centre Court. Its quality ensures spectators stay refreshed throughout the most glamorous sporting event of the summer. Evian has been chosen as the Official Water of The Championships, Wimbledon, bringing a touch of class and vital hydration to players and fans alike.
Its pristine waters embody the nature of the tournament – pure, refreshing, and elegant. As the official water, Evian not only keeps the players and spectators hydrated, but it also enhances the overall experience at Wimbledon, making it even more enjoyable.
Lavazza – Official Coffee
Lavazza, an Italian manufacturer of coffee products, has been a family business for more than 120 years. It became the official coffee of Wimbledon in 2011. Recognized as a leader in quality Italian coffee, Lavazza’s partnership with Wimbledon showcases the brand’s commitment to promoting Italian culture and lifestyle around the world.
At Wimbledon, Lavazza brings its passion for coffee to fans, players, and tournament staff, serving over 200,000 cups of coffee during the Championships. It also provides a unique Italian touch to the English tournament with their own Lavazza café on site. The café offers a wide range of coffee recipes that are developed in collaboration with some of the world’s top chefs, transforming the humble cup of coffee into an experience to be savored.
Jaguar Land Rover – Official Car
Jaguar Land Rover is proud to be the Official Car of The Championships, supplying 179 vehicles for event operations throughout the tournament. Their relationship with Wimbledon extends beyond a mere functional role. It’s a partnership rooted in shared values of luxury, performance, and a commitment to sustainable innovation.
The Jaguar I-PACE, the world’s first premium all-electric performance SUV, has been at the forefront of the fleet since 2021. This aligns with the shared commitment of Jaguar Land Rover and The All England Lawn Tennis Club to create a more sustainable future. Throughout the Championships, Jaguar Land Rover focuses on pushing the boundaries of innovation to do things in an exciting and unexpected way, showcasing Wimbledon’s protagonists, intricacies, and traditions through the “Unmatched Experiences” campaign.
Pimm’s – Official Partner
Pimm’s is proud to be a partner of Wimbledon. This quintessentially British summer drink, with its blend of gin, herbal botanicals, caramelized orange, and warm spices, adds a touch of warmth and celebration to the English summer.
The Pimm’s and Wimbledon partnership brings together two timeless icons of the British summertime. Pimm’s No.1 Cup and the accompanying phrase ‘Pimm’s O’Clock’ have become symbols of British summer, making Pimm’s an integral part of the Wimbledon experience. This partnership elevates the Championships’ festive atmosphere, making it even more memorable for fans worldwide.
American Express – Official Payment Partner
American Express, with its rich history of supporting tennis, including a 25-year partnership with the USTA and US Open, is proud to have become the Official Payment Partner of The Championships, Wimbledon. American Express aims to provide Cardmembers with a host of unique and unforgettable experiences.
This partnership enables Cardmembers and fans to maximize their Wimbledon experience with the Powerful Backing of American Express. From the exclusive Cardmember hospitality presale to various onsite benefits and experiences, American Express supports Cardmembers at every step of the way, enhancing the Wimbledon experience for all.
OPPO – Official Smartphone Partner
OPPO, a market-leading smart device brand with strong sporting partnerships, is thrilled to be the first Official Smartphone Partner and first-ever Asian partner of The Championships, Wimbledon. OPPO’s flagship camera phones bring Wimbledon’s iconic beauty to life for audiences around the world.
In line with Wimbledon’s brand positioning ‘In Pursuit of Greatness’, OPPO has become a key supporter of the professional grass court season and the All England Club’s grass court strategy. This partnership not only promotes OPPO’s technological excellence but also elevates the tournament’s reach, connecting with younger audiences and expanding Wimbledon’s global footprint.
Sipsmith – Official Gin
Sipsmith, recognized for pioneering the global craft gin boom, has been chosen as the first official gin partner of The Championships, Wimbledon from 2021. Both Sipsmith and Wimbledon share a commitment to quality, integrity, and legacy creation, which has led to this successful partnership.
Fairfax Hall, Sipsmith Co-Founder, expresses the mutual respect and shared values in this partnership: “It is a genuine honor to become one of Wimbledon’s exclusive partners. These values have undoubtedly led Wimbledon to become a pinnacle in international sport, and Sipsmith to have become a global benchmark for great quality gin. We could not be more delighted to be a part of the iconic Wimbledon experience, for many years to come”.
Vodafone – Official Connectivity Partner
Vodafone, a technology pioneer with a strong track record, is proud to be the Official Connectivity Partner of The Championships, Wimbledon and The All England Lawn Tennis Club. Throughout the Championships, Vodafone leverages its connectivity capabilities and the power of 5G to enhance the Wimbledon experience for fans.
Using the latest in Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, 360, haptic, and IoT technology, Vodafone brings fans closer to the action. It’s committed to inspiring the next generation of players and is working with the AELTC and the LTA to relaunch and expand the mass participation grassroots tennis competition Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone.
Babolat – Official Stringer, Tennis Racket, Shoe, and Sport Bag
Babolat, a brand linked to the origins of tennis, became the Official Racket Service Partner of The Championships in 2022. This move signals a joint commitment to deliver excellence for Wimbledon competitors.
Babolat’s official racket service features a team of international experts preparing the rackets of top ATP and WTA players. Babolat’s unmatched stringing history and expertise in racket preparation set a new standard of excellence for competitors at the Grand Slam. The brand also offers a limited-edition collection to serve up a taste of the Wimbledon atmosphere to fans around the world.
Barclays – Official Banking Partner 2023
Barclays, a British universal bank with a history of over 330 years, has been associated with Wimbledon since the 1960s. Today, they are thrilled to start a new chapter with The Championships, continuing to create and champion opportunities for all.
Barclays also supports the Wimbledon Foundation, the official charity of The AELTC and The Championships, in their shared commitment to creating opportunities for more people to grow and thrive in their communities, using sport to achieve this. This partnership not only enhances the event but also creates a lasting positive impact on society.
