Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has officially extended the media broadcasting rights for the Australian Open from 2023, according to an official announcement issued by Tennis Australia this week.
The deal will see Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) retain the exclusive TV and digital rights for the elite global competition throughout the Indian subcontinent – Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Additionally, the Grand Slam can be seen through the network’s OTT platform, SonyLIV.
“The Australian Open has consistently been the most watched tennis Grand Slam in India over the past few years” Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Cluster, Sony Pictures Networks India said in an official release. “During 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.”
“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” Craig Tiley, CEO, Tennis Australia added. “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.”