ESPN Re-Ups LatAm Exclusive for the Australian Open

BRISTOL: ESPN International has secured a five-year extension of its agreement with Tennis Australia for the exclusive distribution rights in Latin America and the Caribbean of the Australian Open.

The agreement extends ESPN’s current distribution agreement through 2021. ESPN will continue to have exclusive pay-TV and digital distribution rights throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition, starting in 2017, ESPN will have the distribution rights to several lead-up events to the Australian Open, including the Hopman Cup, World Tennis Challenge, Brisbane International and Apia International. Also, ESPN will have the rights to select coverage of the Australian Open qualifiers, “Legends,” Juniors and Wheelchair events.

ESPN has carried the Australian Open in Latin America since 1998 and is the home of all four Grand Slams across the region.

“We are proud to be the home of the Australian Open across Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Tim Bunnell, the senior VP of production, programming, marketing and advertising sales for ESPN International. “For over 17 years, ESPN has been committed to showcasing the best of the tournament to fans with the most extensive coverage across multiple networks, and we are excited to extend our agreement with Tennis Australia. The Australian Open will continue to be a vital component of our Grand Slam’s coverage and other major tennis events scheduled throughout the year.”

“ESPN International’s expanded tennis coverage means fans can follow more Australian Open tennis in one place,” added Tennis Australia’s commercial director, Richard Heaselgrave. “By extending our relationship to include some Australian Open lead-in tournaments, and creating off-court content for both digital and TV, we aim to engage tennis fans with exciting viewing experiences plus all the action of a Grand Slam.”