ESPN STAR Sports Secures Renewal for Australian Open

SINGAPORE, February 26:
ESPN STAR Sports has signed a new seven-year broadcast contract for the
Australian Open, covering cable and satellite, IPTV, DTH and terrestrial rights
until 2014.

Furthermore, ESPN STAR
Sports and Tennis Australia have agreed to a groundbreaking collaboration for
new-media platforms such as mobile and Internet.

The new contract gives
ESPN STAR Sports rights for the entire territory including China for 2008, and
beginning in 2009 the rights will cover 23 countries across South Asia,
Southeast Asia and North Asia, excluding China. The sports broadcaster will
continue to support the Australian Open match coverage with comprehensive
presentation packages, which include daily highlights, news and analysis, as
well as behind-the-scenes looks at the tournament.

Manu Sawhney, the managing director of ESPN STAR Sports, said: “The
Australian Open has always occupied a special place in Asian sports fans’
hearts with its legacy as one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world
of tennis. We have built a very successful partnership with Tennis Australia
over the last six years and we are extremely pleased to now extend our
relationship for another seven years.”

Tennis Australia’s CEO,
Steve Wood, added: "ESPN STAR Sports has been a highly valued partner to
Tennis Australia and the Australian Open. As the leader in Asian sports
television, ESPN STAR Sports is the perfect fit for the Grand Slam of Asia
Pacific.”

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski