The Tennis Channel Bags French Open Rights

LOS ANGELES/PARIS, August 25: The Tennis Channel has entered
into a multi-year agreement with the French Tennis Federation (FFT) for the
exclusive U.S. non-broadcast network rights to Roland Garros (the French Open),
beginning next year.

This is The Tennis Channel’s first-ever deal for Grand Slam
coverage rights. The cable channel will have the exclusive U.S. telecast rights
to all Roland Garros matches including singles, doubles, mixed doubles, juniors
and seniors, with the exception of established NBC coverage. In addition, the network plans to
produce and televise Roland Garros-themed original programming, highlights,
press conferences and news updates.

Beyond the TV rights, the channel also has the exclusive
broadband and video-on-demand rights to the tournament, as well as access to
Roland Garros' media archives, including classic matches from past tournaments,
which will be used throughout the year to create French Open-themed series,
specials and new media applications.