Cross-sport storytellers Budden and Darlington tackle Wimbledon

There’s nothing quite like experiencing Wimbledon for the first time.

This year, two ESPN reporters are doing just that. Kris Budden and Jeff Darlington, both respected voices in their respective sports, are getting their first taste of the All England Lawn Tennis Club as they share their early impressions.

Their fresh perspectives reflect the excitement of stepping into one of the most iconic venues in all of sports. From the perfectly manicured grass courts to the energy that buzzes through the grounds, it’s a moment that’s as memorable for the reporters as it is for the players.

Budden, known for her college football, basketball, and baseball reporting, joins Bob Wischusen and Louis Riddick on one of the top crews every Saturday for ABC and ESPN’s industry-leading college football coverage. She recently added Grand Slam tennis to her résumé with reporting duties at the US Open, the Australian Open and now brings that same versatility to Wimbledon.

Darlington, an Emmy-winning journalist who’s been covering the NFL since 2005, is best known for his in-depth interviews and storytelling features. In 2024, he expanded into golf, reporting from the Masters and the PGA Championship. Wimbledon marks another exciting stop on his multi-sport journey.

Budden and Darlington are great examples of ESPN’s commitment to cross-sport versatility and storytelling.

Check out their brief videos above to hear what stood out most as they kicked off their Wimbledon experiences.

Spencer T. Jackson and Christine B. Calcagno produced the videos