In the U.S., the French Open will be moving networks in 2025 as Warner Bros. Discovery has secured a sports television rights deal for the tournament. This 10-year, $650 million deal will see the tournament broadcast on WBD’s networks, Max and Bleacher Report. The tournament has been televised on NBC every year since 1983, with a brief stint on CBS in between.
Although this significant deal marks a major change for the French Open, Warner Bros. Discovery is not stopping there. The company is also aiming to remain competitive in the bidding process for NBA broadcast rights, which expire after the 2024-25 season. Disney, Amazon, and NBCUniversal are reportedly working on a package involving these rights, but WBD is determined to stay relevant.
Meanwhile, TNT Sports recently announced a sublicense agreement with ESPN to broadcast two first-round playoff games for each of the next five seasons. Starting in 2026, TNT will acquire rights to broadcast two quarterfinal games each year for the remainder of their deal with ESPN.
This move underscores how fierce competition is becoming between major networks for premium content like NBA playoffs and international tournaments like the French Open.
In conclusion, while Warner Bros. Discovery may have secured exclusive rights to broadcast the French Open starting in 2025, they are not content to rest on their laurels. They are also actively pursuing NBA broadcast rights and looking to expand their sports programming offerings through partnerships with other major networks like ESPN and TNT Sports.
As sports media continues to evolve at lightning speed, it’s clear that these networks will need to be nimble and adaptable if they want to stay ahead of the game in this highly competitive industry.
