Brokered by the MP & Silva agency, the French Open deal secures coverage on Eurosport for three years, from 2012 through 2014. The US Open agreement, finalised through IMG Media, ensures the US grand slam will continue to be broadcast on the network through to 2017. With these two new contracts, Eurosport has now secured long term commitment to its entire grand slam portfolio, after last year's multi-year contract signed with the Australian Open, the first grand slam of the year, which came to an end yesterday.
The renewed deals for both events cover live pan-European rights across all platforms. The two events will be covered on TV channels Eurosport and Eurosport 2, and will also be available on internet and on mobile devices via Eurosport Player, the Eurosport Group's online subscription service. Subscribers to Eurosport Player will also have access to the live multi-court service.
“We are delighted to extend our partnership with these two premium tennis properties, with whom we have built strong relationships over the years,” said Geraldine Filiol, deputy managing director in charge of acquisitions for the Eurosport Group. “These deals ensure that Eurosport remains a major partner of the tennis world in Europe. Tennis Grand Slams are indeed a perfect fit for our Group's multi-screen strategy: not only does Eurosport deliver these events anywhere and on any device, but we also ensure that all this terrific content is made available to fans via Eurosport Player multi-court service.”
Michel Grach, director of media and sponsorship at the French Tennis Federation (FFT), said: “The FFT has enjoyed a privileged partnership with Eurosport for over 20 years, and we are pleased to renew this healthy collaboration for a further three years. The world’s premier clay event will be available to more fans throughout Europe than ever before, in line with our ambitious distribution strategy to enhance and increase multi-screen and multi-lingual coverage of Roland Garros.”
Gordon Smith, USTA executive director and chief operating officer, added: “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Eurosport, and as a leader in sports production and sports distribution, they are the right partner for the US Open.”