How the AELTC Uses the Money Raised from Debenture Sales
By Ed C
Updated 17th May 2024
Debentures play a huge role in the story and history of Wimbledon. The money raised by the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) from the issue of debentures are pivotal to the running of the Club. debentures help fund enhancements around the Grounds.
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What is a Wimbledon debenture?
A Wimbledon debenture is a financial instrument issued by The All England Lawn Tennis Ground PLC.
Each debenture entitles the holder to tickets for each day of The Championships, for five years. debenture holders are usually seated at the same level of the Royal Box on Centre Court, or No.1 Court.
Debenture holders are welcomed to the Grounds through an exclusive entrance, and have access to the debenture restaurants, bars and lounges.
Competition for debentures is fierce and they rarely change hands. The AELTC notes that "at least one family has held debentures since inception."
Wimbledon debenture tickets are the only Wimbledon tickets that can be legally resold.
How much money is raised through debenture sales?
Wimbledon debentures were first sold in 1920 for a combined total of £100,000 (about £4.5m in today’s money). The money raised helped the Club to purchase the Church Road site and fund the construction of Centre Court.
100 years on, the Club continues to raise funds through the sale of Wimbledon debentures:
Centre Court
| Series | Total price paid on issue | Number of debentures | Amount raised |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001-2005 | £23,150 | 2,300 | £53,245,000 |
| 2006-2010 | £23,150 | 2,300 | £53,245,000 |
| 2011-2015 | £27,750 | 2,500 | £69,375,000 |
| 2016-2020 | £50,000 | 2,500 | £125,000,000 |
| 2021-2025 | £80,000 | 2,520 | £201,600,000 |
No.1 Court
| Series | Total price paid on issue | Number of debentures | Amount raised |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-2006 | £9,900 | 1,000 | £9,900,000 |
| 2007-2011 | £12,250 | 1,000 | £12,250,000 |
| 2012-2016 | £13,700 | 1,000 | £13,700,000 |
| 2017-2021 | £31,000 | 1,000 | £31,000,000 |
| 2022-2026 | £46,000 | 1,250 | £57,500,000 |
Current projects
Ian Hewitt, the AELTC chairman says, "We see the debenture programme as a central part of our funding for all of our capital expenditure."
The club has earmarked funds to pay for a number of big projects including the £65m purchase of a neighbouring golf club to further expand their corporate hospitality facilities.
The latest issue of No.1 Court debentures will help the club with its huge expansion into Wimbledon Park. Lying opposite the existing club grounds in Church Road, the AELTC is set to almost triple in size following the purchase of the lease of the land currently occupied by Wimbledon Park Golf Club.
What has the AELTC used debenture funds for historically?
In recent decades, debenture funds have been used to fund a range of high-cost development projects around the grounds:
| Year | Project |
|---|---|
| 1979 | Raising the roof of Centre Court and construction of the debenture holders’ lounge |
| 1980 | Permanent members’ enclosure |
| 1981 | No.1 Court Competitors’ Complex rebuilt |
| 1985 | East Side Centre Court building built |
| 1986 | Aorangi Park Pavilion constructed |
| 1989 | 3 covered courts built |
| 1991 | Debenture Holders’ accommodation and offices built |
| 1992 | Centre Court roof replaced |
| 2009 | Centre Court retractable roof built |
| 2019 | No.1 Court retractable roof built |
The money raised by debenture issues enables the AELTC to continually develop and improve the Wimbledon grounds and facilities. debenture holders’ investment in Wimbledon ensures that The Championships remain the pinnacle of the tennis season, and a unique event in the world sporting calendar.
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It was an easy process
"I thought I'd send you a short note to thank you for dealing so efficiently with my Wimbledon debentures in 2021. It was an easy process to sell the days I didn't want to Green and Purple and payment was made promptly. I look forward to dealing with you again in the future."
Robert MacKenzie
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