In a major shakeup in the world of tennis broadcasting, Warner Bros. Discovery and the French Tennis Federation have announced a groundbreaking partnership that will see the French Open exclusively aired on TNT Sports in the United States. This move comes after the French Tennis Federation ended their long-standing relationship with NBC and Tennis Channel, opting instead for a new 10-year agreement with TNT Sports. The deal, which is reportedly worth an average of $65 million per year, represents a significant increase from the $12 million a year that the FFT had been receiving from NBC.
Under the new contract, TNT will become the lead network for French Open coverage in the US, with additional matches to be broadcast on TBS and truTV. Moreover, every match from the tournament will be streamed on Max, making it more accessible to fans than ever before. In addition to live coverage, highlights and other content will also be available on popular platforms such as Bleacher Report, House of Highlights, and HighlightHER. This multifaceted approach aims to not only cater to die-hard tennis fans but also to attract a wider audience of sports enthusiasts.
With this new deal, the French Open now joins the ranks of the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open as one of the top-tier tennis events in terms of US broadcasting. The other three Grand Slam tournaments are currently carried by ESPN, which provides extensive coverage across its various platforms. By aligning itself with TNT Sports, the French Open aims to maximize exposure and continue growing its presence in the American market.
A Vision for the Future
TNT Sports chairman and CEO Luis Silberwasser expressed excitement about the new partnership and outlined a bold vision for the future of French Open coverage in the US. By focusing on engaging not just tennis fans but sports fans in general, TNT aims to bring a fresh perspective to the tournament. The expedited nature of the deal, finalized in a relatively short amount of time, underscores the commitment of both parties to elevating the status of the French Open in the American sports landscape.
Warner Bros. Discovery, already deeply entrenched in tennis broadcasting through its coverage on Eurosport, will now expand its reach even further with the addition of the French Open on TNT Sports. The company’s extensive experience in delivering high-quality sports content to global audiences bodes well for the success of this new venture. Looking ahead, Warner Bros. Discovery also has exciting plans in the pipeline, including airing College Football Playoff games and NASCAR races on TNT next year.
Uncertain Future with the NBA
While the partnership with the French Open marks a significant milestone for TNT Sports, questions remain about the network’s future relationship with the NBA. Discussions are ongoing with the league regarding a new rights agreement that would come into effect in the 2025-26 season. As negotiations continue, the outcome of this crucial partnership will shape the future of TNT Sports and its role in the world of professional basketball broadcasting.
The French Open’s move to TNT Sports represents a bold step forward in redefining the landscape of tennis broadcasting in the United States. With a renewed focus on engaging a broader audience, expanding content offerings, and fostering innovative partnerships, the French Open is poised to captivate audiences like never before. As the tournament prepares to make its debut on TNT Sports next year, tennis fans and sports enthusiasts alike can look forward to an exciting new era in French Open coverage.
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