Tennis icon John McEnroe has reigned as one of the BBC’s best-paid on-screen talents over the years, but it is understood his terms with the broadcaster have changed. That’s after the American’s value to the company has been called into question by tennis fans.
Three-time Wimbledon champ McEnroe has been a feature of the BBC’s major coverage for more than 20 years, having made his debut back in 2004. The 66-year-old tennis icon comes highly rated for his experience on the court but has proved to be an insightful mind on commentary, not to mention being unafraid to share a controversial take or two.
The BBC’s annual accounts for 2023/24 showed McEnroe was paid between £195,000 and £199,000 for that period. Considering his only work for the British broadcaster centres around Wimbledon, that equates to a daily rate of around £14,000.
There are others on the BBC’s books who earn a lot more, with ex-Match of the Day host Gary Lineker topping the list for 2024/25 thanks to his £1.35million earnings. But no-one can challenge McEnroe’s pay-per-day wage for a fortnight’s work at SW19.
At least that was the case, as following the BBC’s latest annual salary report being released, it is understood there has been a change to his compensation. In fact, McEnroe wasn’t even named on the broadcaster’s latest payroll rundown, which names every figure on the books raking in £178,000 or more.
Express Sport contacted the BBC for comment, which confirmed McEnroe’s pay for the 2024/25 period didn’t meet the £178,000 threshold for inclusion on the list. And while his exact salary remains unspecified, it’s evident the American’s pay has been altered.
If that is the case, it would mark the second year in a row in which there has been a change to McEnroe’s remuneration. However, the motive behind the decision remains unknown.
The seven-time Grand Slam winner was paid somewhere between £205,000 and £209,999 for the 2022/23 financial year. That remains the most he’s received from the BBC on record to date.
While the release of McEnroe’s salary caused consternation among some fans, there are those who believe the tennis legend is worthy of the expense. Former Wimbledon host Sue Barker rallied to her ex-colleague’s defence and explained why she felt the veteran justified his figure.
“Mac is the BBC’s highest-paid employee pro rata, and with good reason,” she wrote In her 2024 memoir Wimbledon: A Personal History. “The public love him. He was great to work with, always up for fun.”
Another BBC presenter, Andrew Castle, joined in the plaudits and told Globusbet this year: “John is a wonderfully, funny and well-weather guy. I can tell you this, when he is into a match and is concentrating and is engaged whilst enjoying it, there is no one to match. It’s a thrill to sit there and listen to what he has to say.”
In defence of McEnroe’s 2023 pay rise, one BBC insider told The Times: “He is one of the most popular and respected pundits in tennis. And he provides a unique perspective to our coverage.”