ESPN and USTA extend partnership for U.S. Open coverage through 2037
A new era for tennis broadcasting
In a landmark move, ESPN and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) have solidified their partnership with a new 12-year agreement, ensuring that the U.S. Open will remain on ESPN until 2037. This deal, which kicks off in 2026, marks ESPN’s longest-term tennis agreement to date and underscores the network’s commitment to bringing top-tier tennis to fans across the globe.
Expanding the reach and depth of coverage
The renewed agreement will see ESPN continue to be the exclusive home of the U.S. Open in the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada through TSN and RDS. Notably, the USTA will take over as the host broadcaster, allowing ESPN to focus its production resources on delivering over 260 hours of annual coverage in the U.S. alone, along with hundreds of hours for international audiences.
Enhanced streaming and fan engagement
One of the most exciting aspects of this new deal is the expanded streaming rights for ESPN. This will provide the network with the flexibility to introduce new ways for American fans to engage with U.S. Open content. The Expanded Fan Week coverage will feature daily live broadcasts on ESPN2 and will include the primetime exhibition events that debuted this year on ESPN platforms. Additionally, fans will have access to all play across all courts daily, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the tournament.
A legacy of excellence
ESPN’s journey with the U.S. Open began in 2009 when it shared media rights with CBS. In 2015, ESPN secured exclusive rights to the entire tournament, a deal that runs through 2025. This new agreement not only extends that relationship but also enhances it, reflecting ESPN’s long-term dedication to tennis and its ability to showcase one of the premier events on the annual sports calendar.
Commitment to equality and innovation
ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro expressed pride in the network’s 15-year relationship with the USTA, highlighting the significance of the U.S. Open as the world’s first sporting event to offer equal purses for female and male competitors. This agreement reinforces ESPN’s commitment to women’s sports and its role in promoting gender equality in athletics.
New features and expanded coverage
The agreement will introduce several new features, including whip-around coverage on ESPN+ during the first week of the 2026 U.S. Open main draw. ABC will continue to cover the middle Sunday and final Sunday matches, while ESPN Deportes will produce daily Spanish-language coverage in the U.S. The deal also includes “limited sublicense rights” for ESPN, allowing for even broader distribution of U.S. Open content.
A global impact
The deal was brokered by IMG, the USTA’s media rights representative. According to Hillary Mandel, EVP and Head of Americas, Media at IMG, this agreement is groundbreaking not only for the USTA and U.S. Open but for tennis globally. The new deal is expected to significantly boost the exposure, production, promotion, content, and economic investment of the U.S. Open, ensuring record growth year after year for the next decade and beyond.
Personal reflections for sports enthusiasts
As a long-time tennis fan, this news is incredibly exciting. The U.S. Open has always been a highlight of the tennis calendar, and ESPN’s commitment to enhancing its coverage means that fans will have even more ways to engage with the tournament. The introduction of whip-around coverage and expanded streaming options will make it easier than ever to follow every thrilling moment, from the early rounds to the championship match.
For those who have yet to experience the magic of the U.S. Open, this new agreement offers the perfect opportunity to dive in. Whether you’re a seasoned tennis aficionado or a casual viewer, the enhanced coverage and innovative features will provide a richer, more immersive experience.
Looking ahead
With this new agreement, the future of U.S. Open broadcasting looks brighter than ever. ESPN’s dedication to delivering high-quality, comprehensive coverage ensures that fans around the world will continue to enjoy one of the most iconic events in sports. As we look forward to the next decade and beyond, it’s clear that the U.S. Open will remain a must-watch event, bringing together the best in tennis and the best in sports broadcasting.
For more information and to stay updated on the latest U.S. Open news, visit the U.S. Open official site.