The French Open recently made a significant announcement regarding its broadcast rights in the United States. This decision comes after a 10-year agreement was reached between Warner Bros. Discovery and the French Tennis Federation. The new deal will see the French Open being aired on TNT Sports, marking a shift from its previous broadcasters, NBC and Tennis Channel. This move is set to give the tournament greater exposure and coverage in the US sports market.
The French Tennis Federation had previously received $12 million a year from NBC and Tennis Channel for the US rights. However, under the new agreement with TNT Sports, this figure will now increase significantly to an average of $65 million per year. This substantial jump in revenue indicates the growing popularity and value of the French Open in the American market.
TNT Sports chairman and CEO Luis Silberwasser highlighted the network’s ambitious vision for the tournament. They aim to not only cater to tennis fans but also attract a broader sports audience. By offering comprehensive coverage of the French Open on TNT, TBS, and truTV, as well as streaming all matches on Max, TNT Sports is looking to engage fans across different platforms.
With the new broadcast contract, the French Open will now be on par with the coverage of the other three Grand Slam tournaments, namely the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, which are all carried by ESPN. This alignment will provide fans with extensive access to every match from every court, ensuring a comprehensive viewing experience.
The French Tennis Federation president, Gilles Moretton, expressed his satisfaction with the new agreement, emphasizing the opportunity to maximize exposure for Roland Garros in the USA. The partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery and TNT Sports signals a new era for the tournament in terms of broadcasting and promotional efforts.
Warner Bros. Discovery’s history with the French Open dates back to 1989 when it began airing the tournament on Eurosport. The network has since expanded its coverage to 55 countries outside the United States. This longstanding relationship with the tournament underscores their commitment to showcasing premier sporting events to a global audience.
While TNT Sports has secured the rights to broadcast the French Open, it also has other key sports properties in its lineup. In addition to the tennis tournament, TNT will air two College Football Playoff games and four NASCAR races starting next year. However, negotiations with the NBA for a new rights agreement are still ongoing, leaving the network’s future in carrying NBA games uncertain.
The French Open’s partnership with TNT Sports represents a significant milestone in expanding its reach and viewership in the United States. With a renewed focus on delivering high-quality coverage and engaging content, the tournament is poised to captivate a broader audience of sports enthusiasts. The collaboration between Warner Bros. Discovery, TNT Sports, and the French Tennis Federation sets the stage for a new chapter in the broadcasting of one of tennis’ premier events.
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