Television broadcaster beIN Sports has partnered with the tennis Grand Slam Roland Garros. In this 5-year deal, the broadcaster brand has acquired the exclusive media rights of the French Open for 10 Southeast Asian countries. The list includes Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, East Timor, the Philippines and Singapore.
The pan-regional media company will use its linear television channels and streaming platform beIN Sports Connect to cover the thrilling tournament. This coverage would also get linked to the broadcaster’s ‘beINSPIRED’ campaign that promotes under-represented sports and talent. With this initiative, the firm would also encourage tennis participation among females in the Asia-Pacific region.
Mike Kerr, the general manager of beIN Sports Asia-Pacific said, “As the only Grand Slam played on clay and most unforgiving of all tournaments, Roland-Garros is arguably the best spectacle tennis has to offer. Our goal is to build a strong tennis proposition and strengthen the great sport we have on offer across our platforms.”
Giles Moretton, President of the French Tennis Federation also commented on this partnership and said, “This deal would enhance the status that Roland-Garros enjoys in South East Asia.”
Earlier, the media rights of all 4 sensational tennis opens were procured by the popular broadcaster Fox Sports Asia for the Asia-Pacific region. beIN Sports signed this deal post the former company’s shut down to build a strong portfolio in the sport of tennis. The media firm last year has also secured media rights of Series A for France and the Asia-Pacific region to enter the Football industry as well. It will look forward to obtaining the coverage rights of the Australian Open next as the company’s rival SPOTV has already acquired the rights to Wimbledon and US Open to compete in the market.
The French Tennis Federation has recently made several efforts to globalize its French Open in less recognized regions. Last year, the organization also signed a 5-year agreement with Discovery spreading the coverage to 50 markets in Europe.