ESPN Acquires Cable And 'Expansive' Digital Rights For Tennis' US Open
This story was written by Staci D. Kramer.
The US Open moves to ESPN (NYSE: DIS) in 2009, giving the Disney sports unit bragging rights for the tennis Grand Slam: US Open, Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon. The six-year agreement includes a home on ESPN2 and 'expansive' digital rights for ESPN 360 and digital is being talked up as one of the key points. The rights include:
-- ESPN360.com, can show action on all TV courts during ESPN2 windows, plus simulcasts of ESPN2's coverage, totaling more than 300 hours.
-- ESPN.com will provide blanket coverage of the US Open, with the latest news and scores, as well as commentary, photos and daily video news and summaries from ESPN commentators.
-- Live action, press conferences and highlights packages on ESPN Mobile.
-- The exclusive right to display a multi-court mosaic platform during ESPN's TV windows.
By Staci D. Kramer