Discovery signs decade-long deal securing live Australian Open rights for Eurosport and discovery+.
Discovery and Tennis Australia’s deal covers all European countries, including the UK and Ireland. The deal includes all linear and digital rights and will extend Eurosport’s association with the first Grand Slam on the tennis calendar to more than 25 years. Eurosport first broadcast the Australian Open in 1995.
As part of the 10-year agreement, Discovery has promised to use its brands, channels and platforms to reach more audiences than before. Full coverage of the Australian Open will be shown on Eurosport and discovery+. In some European countries, Discovery may opt to show some coverage on its other channels. Additionally, Discovery says it will “collaborate with Tennis Australia on a wide range of lifestyle and entertainment content” to accompany live coverage.
AO Lead up events
Eurosport will also hold exclusive rights to AO lead-up events, including the Adelaide International ATP tournament on a pan-European basis.
Andrew Georgiou, President of Sports, Discovery, said:
Extending our relationship with the Australian Open on a long-term basis mean we can take this even further, utilising the full breadth and depth of Discovery’s global channels, platforms and brands – including Eurosport and our streaming service discovery+ – to work with Tennis Australia and reach new audiences, around new and different stories, to play an even bigger part in helping grow the tournament.”
During this year’s Australian Open, Eurosport reported record increases for its streaming service, via the Eurosport App. It recorded a 61% year-on-year increase in unique visitors to Eurosport’s digital platforms.