MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) bagged the exclusive media rights to broadcast Roland-Garros between 2022-24.
The deal, spanning over three years, provides SPN with exclusive TV and digital rights of Roland-Garros. The broadcaster will televise Roland-Garros on its sports channels across India and the subcontinent including, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan & Maldives, and will also be available to live-stream on their premium OTT platform, SonyLIV.
Star Sports was the incumbent rights holder and had held the rights for five years from 2017 to 2021.
While financial terms were not disclosed, SportzPower understands that Sony will be paying $2 million a year for the rights, a significant drop from the $4.5m a year payout that Star Sports had signed on to.
The upcoming edition of Roland-Garros is scheduled to be played between May 22 to June 5.
Sony Sports Network has witnessed great success of the Australian Open, known for getting maximum reach among all the Grand Slams in India and the 2022 edition of the tournament enjoyed a viewership of 22 million, which is the highest recorded viewership in recent years. Taking its tennis repertoire into account, SPN will look at giving Roland-Garros similar coverage.
Starting from 22nd May 2022 at 2:30 PM, SPN will broadcast the 2022 French Open throughout the day, with a special focus on the prime time matches for Indian fans.
Rajesh Kaul, chief revenue officer, Distribution and head – Sports Business, SPN, commented: “Following the successful broadcast of the Australian Open over the past years on our network, we are delighted to acquire the media rights of the prestigious Roland-Garros. The pedigree of the French Open will help us cater to the steadily growing tennis fanbase in India. With this acquisition, we reiterate our goal to position Sony Sports Network as the home to marquee global sports events.”
Gilles Moretton, president, French Tennis Federation, noted: “We are delighted with the signing of this Sony Pictures Networks India contract. This new agreement ensures maximum exposure in India and its subcontinent. It means our tournament will be celebrated in this part of the world where tennis fans and Roland-Garros fans are increasingly numerous.”
