Thursday 29 August 2024

Deadline: ESPN Extends Rights To U.S. Open Tennis Through 2037

Story from Deadline:

ESPN has signed a 12-year extension with the U.S. Tennis Association and will continue its coverage of the U.S. Open through 2037.

The Disney-owned outlet said the new agreement begins in 2026. Along with the U.S., it includes Latin America and the Caribbean as well as Canada on TSN and RDS. ESPN Deportes will also continue as the exclusive Spanish-language home of the Open in the U.S.

When the new deal kicks in, it will include expanded ESPN streaming coverage. ABC will continue to air matches during the final Sunday of the two-week tournament, and also carry “Middle Sunday” matches.

“We take tremendous pride in our 15-year relationship with the USTA,” said ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro. “This agreement reinforces our long-term dedication to tennis, our capacity to showcase one of the premier events on the annual sports calendar and, as the world’s first sporting event to offer equal purses for its female and male competitors, The Walt Disney Company’s industry-leading commitment to women’s sports.”

This year’s Open began Monday on ESPN and will wrap up September 8.

IMG brokered the deal on behalf of the USTA. “This ESPN deal is groundbreaking, not only for the USTA and US Open, but for tennis globally,” said Hillary Mandel, EVP and Head of Americas, Media at IMG. “The new agreement will super-charge this iconic, captivating Grand Slam’s exposure, production, promotion, content, and economic investment, ensuring record year-on-year growth for the next decade and beyond.”

© 2024 Deadline.