• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, July 5, 2011

Even with the Wimbledon finals a core property at NBC, the events will move to ESPN starting next year. As difficult as it may be for some to believe, the head of the All England Club said money played a role in the decision to go to ESPN, but it was not the only factor.  

"It is by no means the preeminent one," said Ian Ritchie, chief executive of the club, which runs Wimbledon.

Ritchie said ESPN's "production strength and promotional strength," its eagerness to carry matches live and the All England Club's desire for "a coherent single partnership" were driving reasons for the network switch.

The deal includes the men's and women's finals runs for 12 years, though on a conference call, Ritchie declined to discuss how much it is worth.

NBC had carried the esteemed tournament for 43 years. ESPN (since 2003) and the Tennis Channel have carried matches recently, along with NBC, which has carried the finals with a "Breakfast at Wimbledon" brand.

ESPN will offer replays of the men's and women's finals on fellow Disney network ABC and, during the middle Sunday of the tournament, will air a three-hour recap of the first week of the event on the network.

ESPN will use its flagship network and ESPN2, as well as other platforms to offer matches.