Wimbledon will be exempt from the UK government’s ban on ticket resales for its “debenture” tickets. The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), the championship organizers, previously expressed concerns that the proposed restrictions on reselling tickets above face value would hinder their ability to reinvest proceeds from debentures into facility maintenance.
On Wednesday, the government officially announced a ban on the for-profit resale of tickets, but it suggested narrow exemptions for charitable resales and debentures following a consultation on the matter. Debentures provide ticket holders guaranteed access to either Centre Court or No 1 Court for each day of the tournament over five years. These holders can sell or transfer their tickets if they are unable to attend, with the initial cost for debentures being as high as £116,000.
The availability of nearly 3,800 debenture seats across the two main courts will continue for the upcoming five-year period, allowing for private or brokered sales. The process for issuing debentures is formally regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and has been in place since 1920 when they helped fund the purchase of the current site and construction of Centre Court.
The AELTC reports that its debenture program experiences consistent demand, enabling lower general admission prices compared to other international tournaments. For instance, in 2025, a daily grounds pass was priced at £30, granting access to lower courts and public viewing areas.
Recent reports indicate that the AELTC received £61.7 million from the initial sale of 2,520 debentures for the 2026-30 period. The funds are earmarked partly for debt repayment. The broader governmental crackdown on ticket resales aims to eliminate exploitative practices, especially those witnessed in platforms like Viagogo and StubHub, a move supported by various artists and entertainment figures. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has been approached for further comments on these issues.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/nov/19/wimbledon-debenture-tickets-exempt-uk-resale-crackdown