TNT Secures 10-Year Deal for French Open Broadcast Rights

Warner Bros. Discovery has secured a significant broadcasting deal for the French Open, marking a new chapter for the prestigious tennis tournament in the United States. The agreement, announced on June 11, 2024, grants Warner Bros. Discovery's TNT Sports the exclusive rights to air the tournament starting in 2025, a move that will see the event broadcast across TNT, TBS, and truTV, as well as streamed on the Max platform. This 10-year contract is valued at approximately $650 million, averaging $65 million per year, a substantial increase from the $12 million per year previously paid by NBC, which has aired the tournament since 1983.

The French Open, also known as Roland-Garros, is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments and has a rich history dating back to its inception in 1891. The tournament is renowned for its red clay courts and has been a staple of American sports broadcasting for decades. The transition from NBC to TNT Sports represents a significant shift in how the tournament will be presented to viewers, with TNT promising a more expansive and engaging coverage strategy. TNT Sports Chairman and CEO Luis Silberwasser emphasized the network's commitment to providing a "best-in-class content experience," aiming to attract not just tennis enthusiasts but also casual sports fans.

Under the new agreement, all matches will be available for live viewing, with a total of approximately 900 matches expected to be broadcast. The coverage will include a "whip-around" show on truTV, which will provide viewers with highlights and updates from various matches throughout the tournament. This approach is designed to enhance viewer engagement and accessibility, catering to a broader audience that may not traditionally follow tennis.

The deal also underscores Warner Bros. Discovery's strategy to bolster its sports portfolio amid increasing competition in the media landscape. The company has been actively acquiring rights to various sports events, including hockey and NASCAR, as it seeks to attract loyal audiences in an era where traditional cable viewership is declining. The French Open deal positions Warner Bros. Discovery as the largest global broadcast partner for the tournament, building on its existing relationship with the event through its Eurosport channel, which has been broadcasting the French Open in Europe since 1989.

French Tennis Federation President Gilles Moretton expressed optimism about the new partnership, stating that it would "ensure maximum exposure for Roland-Garros in the USA and help further promote the tournament." This sentiment reflects a broader trend in sports broadcasting, where networks are increasingly focused on securing exclusive rights to high-profile events to drive viewership and advertising revenue.

As Warner Bros. Discovery prepares to take over the French Open, it faces challenges in retaining its existing NBA broadcasting rights, which have been a cornerstone of its sports programming for over three decades. Negotiations for the NBA's future broadcasting agreements are ongoing, with reports suggesting that other networks, including NBC and Amazon, are vying for these lucrative rights. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact Warner Bros. Discovery's sports strategy moving forward.

In conclusion, the acquisition of the French Open broadcasting rights marks a pivotal moment for Warner Bros. Discovery as it seeks to redefine its sports offerings and engage a wider audience. With a commitment to innovative coverage and a focus on premium sports content, the network aims to elevate the profile of the French Open in the United States, ensuring that this historic tournament continues to capture the attention of sports fans across the nation.