ESPN and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) have strengthened their partnership by signing a new 12-year agreement as the 2024 US Open Main Draw kicks off in New York City. This deal ensures that the iconic tournament will continue to be broadcast on ESPN through 2037.
ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro, said, “We take tremendous pride in our 15-year relationship with the USTA. This agreement reinforces our long-term dedication to tennis, our capacity to showcase one of the premier events on the annual sports calendar and, as the world’s first sporting event to offer equal purses for its female and male competitors, The Walt Disney Company’s industry-leading commitment to women’s sports.”
Furthermore, ESPN’s longest-term tennis agreement which begins in 2026 will extend its role as the exclusive broadcaster of the US Open through 2037. The deal also ensures that ESPN remains the tournament’s home across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada through TSN and RDS. Additionally, ESPN Deportes will continue as the exclusive Spanish-language broadcaster of the US Open in the United States. IMG, the media rights representative for the USTA, negotiated this agreement.
Lew Sherr, USTA CEO and Executive Director said, “After many remarkable years of partnership, we are thrilled to extend our partnership with ESPN and the Walt Disney Company, a collaboration that has driven extraordinary growth for the US Open. This year’s US Open is well on its way to being the most spectacular Championship in our history and together with ESPN, we are energized by an even brighter future. Our shared commitment to expanding the reach of tennis has contributed to significant increase in participation. Together, we will continue to leverage the US Open as a powerful platform to promote our mission to inspire healthier people and communities.”
Hillary Mandel, EVP and Head of Americas, Media at IMG, said, “This ESPN deal is groundbreaking, not only for the USTA and US Open, but for tennis globally. The new agreement will super-charge this iconic, captivating Grand Slam’s exposure, production, promotion, content, and economic investment, ensuring record year-on-year growth for the next decade and beyond.”