Navratilova: BBC pays McEnroe ten times more than me
Broadcaster’s gender pay gap is questioned by the nine-time Wimbledon champion

Tennis great Martina Navratilova has told the BBC’s Panorama programme that the corporation pays her ten times less than her fellow commentator John McEnroe.
Navratilova, who won the Wimbledon singles title nine times, has hit out at the BBC for “valuing male voices above women’s”.
In an interview for Panorama: Britain’s Equal Pay Scandal, which airs at 7.30pm tonight, Navratilova said: “It was a shock because John McEnroe makes at least £150,000... I get about £15,000 for Wimbledon and unless John McEnroe’s doing a whole bunch of stuff outside of Wimbledon he’s getting at least 10 times as much money.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
“We were not told the truth, that’s for sure. It’s still the good old boys’ network. The bottom line is that male voices are valued more than women’s voices.”
Quoted by The Guardian, a BBC Sport spokeswoman defended the discrepancy, saying that McEnroe’s pay reflects his standing as a tennis pundit and that gender “isn’t a factor”.
“Along with Sue Barker, John is regarded as the face of our Wimbledon coverage,” said the BBC spokeswoman. “He is a defining voice within the BBC’s coverage. He is widely considered to be the best expert/commentator in the sport, highly valued by our audiences and his contract means he cannot work for another UK broadcaster without our permission. His pay reflects all of this – gender isn’t a factor.”
Last year a gender pay row erupted at the BBC when a list of its highest earners was published. It was revealed that two-thirds of the broadcaster’s highest-paid presenters are male and only two women made the top ten in the list of TV stars’ salaries.
Tennis fans and pundits have taken to Twitter to express their reactions to Navratilova’s comments.
“You’ve got your stars and pay mixed up”.
“Gender politics are rarely far from the surface in tennis”.
“They have different jobs”.
“Martina is a better commentator”.
Mac’s (unfair) advantage...
“Perhaps John McEnroe is 10x more entertaining?”.
“Seems fair enough”.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Five best ways to save money at the petrol pump
The Explainer You don't have to wait for petrol prices to fall to reduce your fuel costs
-
Exurbs: America's biggest housing trend you haven't heard of
Under the Radar Northeastern exurbs were the nation's biggest housing markets in 2024
-
How to enjoy a coolcation in Sweden
The Week Recommends You won't break a sweat on Lake Asnen or underground at the Adventure Mine
-
The biggest sporting events of 2025
The Explainer Women's Rugby World Cup and African Cup of Nations are among sporting highlights this coming year
-
Kelly Cates to present Match of the Day
Speed Read Sky Sports presenter to take over from Gary Lineker at start of next season
-
Will Gary Lineker's departure be an own goal for the BBC?
Today's Big Question Former star striker turned highest-paid presenter will leave Match of the Day after 25 years, with BBC head of sport reportedly declining to offer him a contract
-
Andy Murray: Britain's greatest sportsperson?
Talking Points Injury denies Scot a final singles appearance at Wimbledon but his place in history is assured
-
John Motson dies aged 77: five best Motty moments
Under the Radar The legendary BBC football commentator delivered countless iconic lines in 50-year career
-
Nick Kyrgios: a foul-mouthed bully or tortured genius?
In the Spotlight The Australian has thrilled and appalled on his run to the Wimbledon final
-
Novak Djokovic vs. Cameron Norrie: Wimbledon semi-final preview and predictions
feature Can the British No.1 stun the defending champ and reach Sunday’s final?
-
What has Serena Williams been doing?
In the Spotlight The tennis great made a surprise return to the court this week after a year away