The French Open, a beloved event in the world of tennis, is about to make a grand entrance onto American television screens! Say adieu to the days of searching for obscure online streams because, starting next year, TNT Sports will be the exclusive home for the prestigious tournament in the United States. The announcement, made official by Discovery and the French Tennis Federation, marks a significant shift in the broadcasting landscape. Goodbye, NBC and Tennis Channel – hello, TNT Sports!
The 10-year deal, valued at a cool $65 million per year, represents a substantial increase from the previous U.S. rights agreement. This move elevates the French Open to the same level as its Grand Slam counterparts – the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open – which are all covered by ESPN. It’s a game-changer for tennis enthusiasts and sports fans alike, promising an immersive and comprehensive viewing experience like never before.
TNT Sports chairman and CEO, Luis Silberwasser, expressed excitement about the opportunity to engage not just tennis aficionados, but a broader audience of sports enthusiasts. The network’s vision extends beyond the baseline, aiming to captivate viewers with compelling coverage that transcends the traditional bounds of tennis broadcasting. With TNT as the lead network for the French Open, supplemented by TBS and truTV, fans can expect a dynamic lineup of matches and in-depth analysis that will keep them glued to their screens.
In addition to television coverage, every match of the tournament will be available for streaming on Max. This digital accessibility ensures that fans can catch all the action, whether they’re on the go or prefer to watch from the comfort of their living rooms. Moreover, highlights and exclusive content will be distributed across popular platforms like Bleacher Report, House of Highlights, and HighlightHER, catering to the diverse preferences of modern sports consumers.
The partnership between Discovery, TNT Sports, and the French Tennis Federation represents a strategic move to maximize exposure for Roland Garros in the USA. By leveraging TNT’s existing sports programming, including the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, NHL and NBA playoffs, and upcoming NASCAR races, the French Open is poised to receive unparalleled promotion and coverage. As the countdown begins to the inaugural French Open broadcast on TNT Sports, fans can anticipate a fresh and vibrant presentation of one of tennis’ most prestigious events. Let’s grab our popcorn, settle into our favorite armchairs, and get ready to witness history in the making on the courts of Roland Garros!