US sports broadcaster ESPN has agreed a four-year deal for rights to the World TeamTennis competition.
Under the terms of the deal, which runs from 2014 through 2017, the finals of the US-based event will air on ESPN2, with more than 60 hours of programming made available annually through online on-demand service ESPN3.
ESPN3 will live steam one match from each night of the WTT season, beginning on July 7 when new entrants Austin Aces and San Diego Aviators face off. The Aces line-up will feature former US Open champion Andy Roddick, who is to be joined by 2013 Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli.
The ESPN partnership stands as key part of WTT’s enhanced digital presence ahead of its 39th season, which includes new and upgraded smartphone apps, an online content aggregator and off the court content with WTT players through the competition’s official website.
The 2014 WTT Conference Championships will be shown on ESPN3 on July 24, with the conference champions progressing to the finals on July 27. ESPN2’s coverage will begin one hour after ESPN3's at 6pm ET.
World TeamTennis chief executive and commissioner Ilana Kloss said: “Access is a cornerstone of our league and this partnership gives us a broader platform to showcase the best in professional team tennis competition and to introduce more fans to our brand.”