According to an array of media reports, Wimbledon will not offer a dedicated accreditation category for influencers and content creators at the 2027 Championships, following criticism over disruptive behaviour at this year’s US Open.

The All England Club has also said equipment such as ring lights that could interfere with play will be confiscated.

The decision comes after the US Open expanded its influencer programme for 2026, accrediting nearly 100 content creators compared with 54 in 2025.

The initiative, intended to bring the tournament to younger audiences, came under scrutiny after several incidents involving filming, noise and bright lighting during matches.

One of the most widely discussed incidents occurred during Naomi Osaka’s first-round match against Anastasia Zakharova, when activity in the stands and the use of a ring light prompted intervention from the chair umpire. Osaka and other players subsequently called for spectators and creators to follow tennis etiquette, reported ESPN.

American tennis player Jessica Pegula also criticised behaviour she viewed as disrespectful to players, while American tennis player Coco Gauff said bringing new audiences to tennis was positive but that spectators still needed to understand the sport’s etiquette, according to AP News.

The controversy was not limited to the official creator programme. The USTA said some of the people involved in the Osaka incident were not among its officially credentialed influencers. The Verge reported that separately, two creators lost access after an issue involving credentials obtained through a food vendor.

The US Open has since added signage and reminders around the venue covering noise, flash photography and lighting.

Wimbledon already has tighter rules around spectator behaviour, including restrictions on flash photography during play, selfie sticks and camera equipment. The latest measures mean influencers will not receive special access, while ordinary ticket-holders who create content will still be able to attend subject to the tournament’s existing rules.

Manifest feels that the contrasting approaches highlight a growing challenge for sports properties: using creators to reach new audiences without allowing content production to interfere with the live sporting experience.