BeIN strikes Australian Open rights extension

BeIN Media Group has struck a multi-year extension to its rights deal with Tennis Australia incorporating coverage of the Australian Open grand slam tournament in the Middle East and North Africa.

The deal has been extended through to 2024 and along with the Australian Open, the annual edition of which concluded in Melbourne on Sunday, the contract includes the lead-in tournaments, Australian Open qualifying and the Laver Cup.

The Laver Cup took place for the first time in September in the Czech capital of Prague, where Team Europe, featuring Swiss star Roger Federer and Spain’s Rafael Nadal, claimed a 15-9 victory over a Team World side. It will be held in the US city of Chicago this year from September 21-23.

In addition to producing all matches live from each tournament, Tennis Australia will also provide original programming content year round, including match highlights, player, tournament and city profiles, best-of and behind the scenes.

BeIN will be working closely with Tennis Australia to produce extensive magazine and build up programming and daily studio coverage for the Australian Open, with all of the action available simultaneously in English and Arabic across beIN’s suite of linear channels as well as via the beIN Connect app and online services.

Tennis Australia chief revenue officer, Richard Heaselgrave (right of picture), said: “beIN’s commitment to their most comprehensive coverage of the Australian summer of tennis will allow our fans in the Mena region to follow the action right across Australia throughout December and January. With more channels, content and live feed capabilities, we will be able to tell a more compelling story that shows the power, passion and glory of tennis.”