ATP Media, the broadcast arm of professional men’s tennis circuit the ATP World Tour, has launched a production venture in partnership with the IMG Studios division of the IMG agency.
It is hoped the new model will significantly enhance the coverage of ATP World Tour 500 tournaments, with all singles matches now being produced and made available to broadcasters.
ATP Media will connect each of the ATP World Tour 500 venues to its global media fibre network, which will in turn provide a link to IMG Studios, which will distribute the content.
IMG Studios will oversee the output of an enhanced world feed, complete with commentary and graphics. Broadcasters from around the world will be able to access the world feed through network or satellite, with action from numerous courts to be made available during each event.
IMG Studios will also produce news coverage, highlights and other features as part of the agreement.
The deal will result in the production of men’s singles tennis matches from ATP World Tour 500 tournaments growing from 286 matches in 2016 to 435 in 2017.
The new model is being used this week during the Aegon Championships in London and the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, Germany.