Sky Sports and streaming service Now have secured the exclusive broadcast rights for the US Open in the United Kingdom and Ireland through 2030, according to a three-year rights extension announced via marketing agency IMG. The agreement ensures that fans will continue to have access to the New York-based Grand Slam tournament across linear television and digital platforms without interruption.
Expanded Broadcast Reach Across UK and Ireland
The renewed partnership guarantees live coverage of every main draw singles and doubles match, alongside mixed doubles, junior competitions, and wheelchair events, according to Sky Sports. Beyond traditional television broadcasts, the agreement incorporates extensive highlight and clip rights tailored for Sky’s digital channels and social media properties. Jonathan Licht, Chief Executive Officer of Sky Sports UK and Ireland, stated that the tournament remains a premier highlight of the sporting calendar and emphasized that the extension reinforces the network’s commitment to delivering top-tier sports coverage through ongoing technological advancements.
Commercial Strategy and Partnership Goals
Kirsten Corio, Chief Commercial Officer of the United States Tennis Association (USTA), noted that Sky has served as a reliable partner for many years. According to the USTA, this continued collaboration aims to accelerate the growth of tennis in the region while deepening engagement with fans. The multi-year commitment aligns with a broader broadcast strategy by the USTA to maintain established media partnerships in key European markets.
Technological Integration and On-Air Talent
Sky Sports features enhanced broadcast technology for its tennis coverage, incorporating augmented-reality graphics, data integrations, and touchscreen tactical analysis. Presenter Gigi Salmon leads the on-air hosting duties, while former professional players Tim Henman and Laura Robson provide expert analysis. Jonathan Overend serves as the primary lead commentator for the network’s tournament broadcasts.
Broadcasting Timeline Comparison
The UK and Ireland agreement mirrors similar regional extensions secured for continental Europe. In Germany and Austria, rights agency IMG finalized an agreement with Sporteurope.TV covering the years 2028 through 2030. Under the current cycle, Sporteurope.TV has supplied extensive sublicenses to Sky Sport in Germany through 2027, though rights allocations beyond that period remain unconfirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do the US Open rights run for Sky in the UK? The extended agreement covers the tournament through the end of 2030.
- Which matches are included in the package? The rights package covers men’s and women’s singles and doubles, mixed doubles, junior tournaments, and wheelchair events.
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