US cable-television operator Time Warner Cable will offer a free preview of pay-television broadcaster Tennis Channel to customers who cannot access the CBS network during the US Open tennis tournament due of a contract dispute.
Digital basic-tier cable-television customers in regions currently without CBS can access 75 hours of live matches and additional coverage for no extra charge, TWC said.
The network is not normally available on basic-tier cable.
The CBS blackout started on August 2 for an estimated 3.5 million TWC customers in major markets including New York and Los Angeles after the two companies failed to reach an agreement on distribution terms. The two sides are continuing to negotiate.
CBS has rights to the tournament’s later matches, including the men’s and women’s singles semi-finals and finals.
Live matches are also available through pay-television broadcasters CBS Sports Network and ESPN2, as well as the competition’s official website, USOpen.org.
The US Open will take place from August 26 to September 9.