Sky culls its coverage of the US Open tennis after deciding not to sub-license from rival Eurosport
Sky Sports has dropped its coverage of the US Open tennis tournament after announcing that it would not sub-license the rights from Eurosport this year.
Sky drops US Open tennis coverage
The move brings an end to Sky Sports 25 year-long coverage of the grand slam and will strengthen Eurosport’s reputation within the sport, having secured the broadcast rights to all four grand slams.
Sky’s decision not to renew its sub-license deal with the Discovery-owned Eurosport has resulted in speculation from company insiders that the rising broadcast costs of the Premier League is forcing it to cut back on coverage of other sports.
Competition from rival BT Sport has pushed up the TV rights price for the Premier League. The latest £5.14bn three year deal between the two broadcasters represents a steep rise in the previous £3bn agreement, now costing Sky Sports around £11m per match.
In response to speculation that it was narrowing its focus Sky pointed out that it has struck at least 20 rights deals since the renewed Premier League broadcast deal was made.
This includes outbidding the BBC for the rights to the Open Championship golf tournament and buying the exclusive rights to all Formula One races; with the exception of the British Grand Prix.