Eurosport has entered into a new long-term partnership with the Fédération Française de Tennis (FFT) for pan-European coverage of Roland Garros, the French Open tennis Grand Slam.
The agreement, which was brokered by the international media rights agency MP&Silva, covers live TV and digital rights until 2021 in all Eurosport’s European territories except France.
It also grants Eurosport exclusive pay-TV rights across Europe and also comprises all rights in 13 key markets, in particular in Italy and Spain.
The French Open will continue to be extensively covered on TV channels Eurosport and Eurosport 2, as well as available on PC, mobile, tablets and connected TV via Eurosport Player, Eurosport’s online TV service.
Subscribers to Eurosport Player will continue to benefit from an ever-improved live multi-court service.
Commenting on the deal, Jean-Thierry Augustin, CEO, 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 of fans. Our live coverage of Roland Garros alone reaches more than 60 million viewers each year on Eurosport and Eurosport 2.”
Michel Grach, director of media and sponsorship at the French Tennis Federation, added: “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, MP&Silva, said: “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”.
