New York: Warner Bros Discovery’s TNT Sports has sealed a monumental 10-year pact to bring the prestigious French Open to American screens starting next year, the media behemoth announced on Tuesday. With a keen eye on fortifying its live sports portfolio, this deal with the French Tennis Federation, averaging around $65 million annually according to CNBC, marks a significant expansion for TNT Sports. Roland Garros will now join the roster of live matches broadcasted across TNT Sports’ suite of networks, including TBS and truTV, as well as its streaming platform, Max.
In an era where media companies vie intensely for viewer attention in a saturated TV landscape, investing in live sports broadcasting has become a strategic imperative. This move by Warner Bros Discovery underscores this trend, showcasing a concerted effort to engage and retain audiences through premium sports content.
The announcement of this landmark agreement comes amidst speculation surrounding Warner Bros Discovery’s future in securing media rights for other high-profile sports events. Recent reports hinted at potential challenges in retaining rights for the National Basketball Association, a league known for its massive viewership.
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Furthermore, TNT network’s recent five-year partnership with ESPN, a subsidiary of Walt Disney, to air select College Football Playoff games earlier this May, underscores the company’s commitment to diversifying its sports broadcasting portfolio.
Beyond traditional broadcasting, Warner Bros Discovery is also venturing into the realm of sports streaming with the launch of Venu Sports, a collaborative effort with Walt Disney and Fox Corp. Scheduled for release this fall, Venu Sports is poised to revolutionize the sports streaming landscape, offering fans unparalleled access to a plethora of live sporting events.
