WTA Ventures, Tennis Channel reach 6-year rights deal

WTA Ventures and Tennis Channel announced Wednesday they have agreed to a six-year media rights deal that will ensure that the latter's platforms will continue to be the exclusive home of WTA tennis in the United States through 2032.

The deal covers all WTA Tour 1000, 500 and 250 events -- with the exception of tournaments in the U.S., which fall under other contracts -- through to the season-ending WTA Finals.

"The WTA has been an important part of Tennis Channel since our first days on air. We couldn't be happier to extend this partnership into the next decade," Tennis Channel CEO Jeff Blackburn said. "Women's tennis is one of the most thrilling products in sports and the tour has never been stronger than it is right now. Tennis Channel looks forward to developing innovative ways to attract and entertain new fans -- and to keep building on this momentum with Marina (Storti, CEO of WTA Ventures) and her team."

Four Americans, No. 2 Coco Gauff, No. 3 Jessica Pegula, No. 6 Madison Keys and No. 10 Emma Navarro, reside in the top 10 of the WTA rankings.

"The U.S. is a hugely significant market for the WTA and we are excited to be partnering with Tennis Channel to bring six more seasons of brilliant tennis to fans across all its platforms," Storti said.

"Tennis Channel has shown a strong commitment to the WTA through this agreement, and we have a shared ambition to continue to deepen audience engagement and grow the impact of women's tennis. By securing a multi-year investment from a valued strategic partner, this deal is a significant milestone for WTA Ventures as we continue to execute our strategy to achieve a step change in the commercial value of women's tennis."