Eurosport Scores Long-Term Pan-European Rights for Roland Garros

PARIS: The Eurosport Group has entered into a partnership with the Fédération Française de Tennis (FFT) for pan-European coverage of Roland Garros, the French Open tennis Grand Slam, until 2021.

The deal, brokered by MP & Silva, covers live TV and digital rights for all European territories where Eurosport is present, excluding the host country, France. Eurosport now holds the exclusive pay-TV rights across Europe and all rights in 13 key markets, including Italy and Spain. The French Open will be covered extensively on Eurosport and Eurosport 2 as well as via the Eurosport Player.

Jean-Thierry Augustin, the CEO of Eurosport Group, said: “I’m really happy we’ve strengthened our partnership with the FFT. We have now taken it to a whole new level, both in length, until 2021, and intensity, with additional rights. I’m particularly delighted that we now hold full rights in Spain. Tennis is part of our DNA attracting millions. Our live coverage of Roland Garros alone reaches more than 60 million viewers each year on Eurosport and Eurosport 2.”

Michel Grach, the director of media and sponsorship at the French Tennis Tederation, said: “Eurosport is a key partner for us. Eurosport’s experience and top quality live coverage of the past 25 editions of Roland Garros contributes hugely to the international fame of our tournament. We can all expect an exciting edition in 2014 and we look forward to attracting massive audiences again in Europe.”

Peter Hutton, joint-CEO of MP & Silva, commented: “We are very proud of our long-term partnership with the French Tennis Federation, and delighted to be able to announce this new agreement with Eurosport. We are determined to further grow the visibility and profile of Roland Garros and this is a very significant step along the way, given Eurosport's commitment to the event and to the sport."