ESPN Gains Broadcasting Rights to U.S. Open

ESPN has struck an 11-year agreement with the United States Tennis Association granting the network exclusive broadcast rights to the U.S. Open in North America and South America beginning in 2015.

“This wide-ranging and broad relationship with ESPN positions tennis at the forefront of American sports,” said Dave Haggerty, USTA president and chairman of the board. “By teaming with the worldwide leader in sports, the USTA will continue to ensure that tennis at every level thrives in the United States.”

Under the agreement, ESPN will expand the hours of programming it features for the event to more than 130 (ESPN reports it has televised approximately 100 hours of U.S. Open matches since 2009); become the home of the Emirates Airline U.S. Open Series; and present Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, a music and tennis festival that kicks off the two-week tournament.