Sony Pictures Network extends broadcast rights partnership with Tennis Australia

Mumbai, Dec 10 (IANS) Sony Pictures Networks India will broadcast next month's Australian Open in India after it and Tennis Australia decided to extend their exclusive broadcast rights partnership from 2023.

With this renewal, the broadcaster will hold exclusive TV and digital rights for the global sporting event across the Indian subcontinent - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Grand Slam will continue to be televised on SPN's sports channels as well as live-streamed on its on-demand OTT platform SonyLIV.

One of the most revered global sporting events, the Australian Open is known for setting the context for the tennis calendar. Over its 110-year history, the prestigious tournament has witnessed record-breaking runs from legends and the emergence of the legendary Rod Laver. Sony Sports Network has been the official broadcaster of the tournament in India for nine years.

After successfully establishing itself as the home for tennis in India through the broadcast of multiple Grand Slams in 2022, the broadcaster will kickstart 2023 with the telecast of the Australian Open and Adelaide International tournament, Sony Pictures Networks India informed in a release on Friday.

The first Grand Slam of the year will see Novak Djokovic attempt to win his tenth Australian Open title against the likes of Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev, and Carlos Alcaraz. For the women's title, fan favourite Iga Swiatek leads the race along with Naomi Osaka, Coco Gauff and Ons Jabeur.

Sony Sports Network will broadcast the Adelaide International from January 9, 2023, and the Australian Open from January 16, 2023.

Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer - Distribution & International Business and Head - Sports Cluster, Sony Pictures Networks India said, "The Australian Open has consistently been the most watched tennis Grand Slam in India over the past few years. In 2022, close to 23 million viewers watched the live coverage of the event on Sony Sports Network. We hope to repeat this success as well as continue to build the steadily growing tennis fanbase in India. With this broadcast rights renewal, we will become the home for major Grand Slams in India including Roland Garros and the US Open."

Craig Tiley, CEO, Tennis Australia, said, "Sony Pictures Networks India has been the home of the Australian Open in India for the past nine years and this renewal will solidify its position. India has long been a key market for us and over the years the tournament has seen steady growth in viewership there. Sony Sports Network has played a huge role in driving this growth and we hope to build on this success in the coming years."