Sky Sports has finalized a three‑year extension to its agreement with the United States Tennis Association (USTA), guaranteeing that the broadcaster and its streaming service NOW will remain the sole broadcasters of the US Open across the United Kingdom and Ireland through the close of 2030. Under the renewed deal, Sky Sports will continue to provide exclusive live transmission of every event on the tournament’s three‑week schedule, encompassing men’s and women’s singles, doubles, mixed doubles, junior contests and wheelchair competitions. The arrangement was brokered by IMG, the USTA’s appointed media‑rights advisor. In addition to the televised feed, the extension ensures that British and Irish fans can also access a rich library of on‑demand clips, highlights and behind‑the‑scenes footage via Sky’s digital channels and social media outlets.
This multi‑platform approach is designed to keep tennis enthusiasts engaged long after the final point is played. The most recent US Open coverage demonstrated Sky’s commitment to innovation. Viewers were treated to augmented‑reality graphics that overlay real‑time statistics onto the court, sophisticated data visualisations that break down player performance, and interactive touchscreen analysis that allowed pundits to dissect rallies in minute detail. Supplementary backstage features gave audiences a glimpse into players’ routines, locker‑room dynamics and the tournament’s logistical operations, bringing the event closer to home than ever before.
The on‑air team is anchored by presenter Gigi Salmon, who leads a panel of former champions and seasoned analysts, including Tim Henman and Laura Robson. Their insights are complemented by a rotating roster of specialist commentators and co‑hosts who appear at various venues throughout the season. Match commentary is delivered by Jonathan Overend, whose descriptive style aims to capture the tension and drama of each point. The announcement of the extension arrives against the backdrop of a particularly eventful US Open.
The tournament witnessed the stunning first‑round upset of 24‑time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic, a result that sent shockwaves through the tennis world. In the men’s final, a historic showdown unfolded between rising American star Ben Shelton and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, with Shelton ultimately prevailing in a match that concluded in the early hours of the morning at 3:33 a.m.
The women’s final promises an equally compelling narrative, as world number one Aryna Sabalenka prepares to face world number two Elena Rybakina on Saturday. Jonathan Licht, chief executive of Sky Sports UK & Ireland, commented: “The US Open is a marquee event on the global sporting calendar, showcasing the biggest names in both the men’s and women’s games against the iconic backdrop of New York City.
We are thrilled to extend our partnership with the USTA, reinforcing our joint dedication to innovation, excellence and delivering world‑class coverage to our viewers. This renewal further solidifies Sky Sports’ status as the premier home of sport in the UK and Ireland, offering fans unparalleled breadth and value throughout the year.” Kirsten Corio, chief commercial officer of the USTA, added: “Sky Sports and the US Open have enjoyed a trusted partnership for many years, and we are excited to continue that relationship with this renewal.
Sky shares our vision of providing cutting‑edge, engaging coverage to a passionate audience of tennis fans across the U.K. and Ireland.
We are confident that our ongoing collaboration will accelerate the sport’s growth and deepen the connection between fans and the game.” Beyond the US Open, Sky’s tennis portfolio runs year‑round, featuring comprehensive coverage of both the ATP and WTA tours via Sky Sports channels, the NOW streaming platform and the Sky Sports app. In total, Sky will broadcast more than 4,000 matches across 80 tournaments during the current season, ensuring that tennis supporters have constant access to high‑quality live action. The US Open extension complements Sky’s broader sports rights strategy, which already includes a dominant suite of properties across the UK and Ireland. The broadcaster holds rights to roughly 1,500 Premier League fixtures, the Women’s Super League, the English Football League and the Scottish Professional Football League.
It also enjoys exclusive live coverage of every Formula 1 Grand Prix through 2034, England’s men’s and women’s cricket internationals, full access to the four golf majors, continuous darts programming, top‑tier boxing events from promoters such as Zuffa and MVP, as well as extensive coverage of the NFL, Netball Super League and rugby league. The US Open will commence its live broadcast on Sky Sports on August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app without the need for a long‑term contract. Fans who wish to experience additional tennis spectacles can also look forward to the Laver Cup, which will be shown live from the O2 Arena in London between September 25‑27.
Overall, the three‑year renewal not only secures Sky’s position as the exclusive broadcaster of one of tennis’s most prestigious events but also underscores its commitment to delivering innovative, immersive and accessible sports coverage for audiences throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.