Wimbledon 2026: Dates Confirmed as Historic Expansion Clears Major Legal Hurdle
London, 21 March 2026 – The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) has cleared a significant legal obstacle for its ambitious £200 million expansion plans, even as preparations for the 2026 Championships gather pace. A High Court ruling this week has sided with the Club in a long-running dispute over land use, paving the way for a major redevelopment of the Wimbledon site. Meanwhile, the sporting calendar is firmly set, with the world’s oldest tennis tournament scheduled to return to SW19 from 29 June to 12 July 2026.
Court Victory Unlocks Wimbledon’s Future
In a landmark decision on 19 March 2026, the High Court ruled in favour of the AELTC in its dispute with the campaign group Save Wimbledon Park. The group had argued that a statutory trust prevented the Club from developing land formerly occupied by the Wimbledon Park Golf Course. The ruling removes a major barrier to the Club’s vision of building 38 new tennis courts, including an 8,000-seat show court, significantly expanding the tournament’s footprint and year-round facilities. While campaigners have indicated they may “fight on,” this judgment represents a crucial victory for the expansion project.
The 2026 Championships: Schedule & Innovations
The 150th edition of The Championships will follow its traditional two-week format in the summer of 2026. The provisional schedule of play begins on Monday, 29 June, with the finals weekend concluding on Sunday, 12 July. This year’s tournament will also see a significant technological advancement: video review technology will be introduced at Wimbledon for the first time. Players will be permitted to challenge certain chair umpire calls, bringing the grass-court Grand Slam in line with other major tournaments.
Key Facts: Wimbledon 2026
Essential details for the upcoming tournament and its historic venue.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament Dates | Monday 29 June – Sunday 12 July 2026 |
| Venue | All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon, London |
| Nearest Tube | Southfields (District Line) |
| Surface | Outdoor Grass (The only Grand Slam played on grass) |
| New for 2026 | Introduction of video review technology for player challenges |
| Expansion Plans | 38 new courts & an 8,000-seat stadium (High Court approved, March 2026) |
| First Held | 1877 (The world’s oldest tennis tournament) |
| Dress Code | Competitors must be dressed predominantly in white |
Planning Your Visit
For those hoping to experience The Championships in person, the famous Queue is expected to open on Sunday, 28 June 2026. Ticket resale kiosks inside the grounds will also operate daily from 10:00, offering a chance to purchase returned tickets. Numerous official hospitality packages for the 2026 event are already being advertised by authorised providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Wimbledon 2026?
The Wimbledon Championships 2026 will be held from Monday 29 June to Sunday 12 July 2026.
What was the recent High Court ruling about?
On 19 March 2026, the High Court ruled in favour of the All England Club in a legal challenge against its expansion plans. The decision allows the Club to proceed with plans to build 38 new courts and a new stadium on land formerly used by Wimbledon Park Golf Course.
What is new for Wimbledon 2026?
The 2026 tournament will see the introduction of video review technology, allowing players to challenge certain line calls for the first time in the event’s history.
What is the dress code for Wimbledon players?
Since 1963, the official entry conditions have required that all competitors must be dressed predominantly in white.