The Australian Open will remain on Channel Nine until 2029 after the broadcaster and Tennis Australia confirmed they had extended their agreement.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, owned by Nine Entertainment, the deal is worth an average of $85 million per year, an upgrade on the previous agreement reported to be worth around $60 million annually.
Nine first won the rights back in 2018, wrestling the Australian Open off Seven after a 40-year partnership.
The deal involves all premium tennis played in Australia, including the United Cup, Adelaide International, Hobart International and Australian matches in the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup.
Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley released a statement following the announcement of the new deal.
“Nine has shown its serious intent to a year-round commitment to continue to grow tennis,” Tiley said.
“We want to show our sport at its best to continually excite tennis fans, whilst also appealing to a new generation of fans and players in this country. This new deal will certainly help us do that.”
Nine CEO Mike Sneesby said he was pleased to continue the partnership with tennis in this country.
“We are pleased to announce the extension of the partnership between Nine and Tennis Australia,” Sneesby said.
“Tennis attracts both a broad and very passionate following and is a perfect fit with Nine’s schedule, audiences and advertisers.
“The Australian Open has delivered some of Australia’s most iconic sporting moments and largest television audiences and together, we are committed to bringing these great moments to all Australians live and free.”
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The Australian Open is due to kick off on Monday, January 16.
