close
close

Yiamastaverna

Trusted News & Timely Insights

ESPN retains TV rights for the US Open until 2037
Frisco

ESPN retains TV rights for the US Open until 2037

Under an agreement announced Wednesday, US Open tennis matches will be broadcast on ESPN’s networks through 2037.

The cooperation is ESPN’s longest tennis contract. Outside of America, it also includes broadcasting rights for Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada. ESPN has been broadcasting the event in New York since 2015. Financial details were not disclosed.

IMG brokered the deal as media representative for the United States Tennis Association. “The new agreement will dramatically increase the exposure, production, advertising, content and economic investment of this legendary, captivating Grand Slam, ensuring record year-on-year growth for the next decade and beyond,” said Hillary Mandel, EVP and Head of Media for the Americas at IMG.

At last year’s US Open, championship weekend viewership increased by 40%, making it the second-highest on the channel. The women’s final, won by Coco Gauff, was ESPN’s most-watched women’s final. The current tournament ends on September 8.

“I’ve spoken before about our ongoing commitment to women’s sports,” ESPN’s EVP of programming and acquisitions Rosalyn Durant said Wednesday. “Tennis is one of the sports that is particularly well-suited to that.”

The new agreement includes expanded streaming rights for ESPN, something the network has prioritized as it prepares to launch a digital service next year. New elements will include an exclusive ESPN+ show set to premiere in 2026.

ESPN2 will provide live coverage during “Fan Week” before the main draw begins. ABC will broadcast the games on the middle and final Sundays of the competition. ESPN has also reserved limited sublicensing rights. The previous 11-year deal was reportedly worth more than $825 million.

“This agreement underscores our long-term commitment to the sport of tennis,” ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement.

LEAVE A RESPONSE

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *