BBC To Broadcast Barclays ATP Finals Until 2015
The BBC has signed an extension to its non-exclusive television rights deal with the ATP to continue its coverage of the World Tour Finals event.
The extension will see the broadcaster continue to air the event, which will remain at London’s O2 arena, in 2014 and 2015. The BBC will show eight singles matches of the tournament, which acts as the finale of the men’s ATP tennis tour, as well as the final and one semi-final.
The BBC has also secured the non-exclusive online rights and radio rights to all ATP World Tour Masters 1000 matches.
Barbara Slater said of the agreement: ‘We are delighted to extend our deal with the ATP’s season-ending event, ensuring that we can continue to bring audiences to this first class tennis tournament on the BBC through to 2015.’
Slater added: ‘The ATP’s season finale remains a highly anticipated must-watch event where the very best in the world battle it out in a unique atmosphere and in front of sell-out crowds. Bringing this, the pinnacle of the men’s tour, to our audience, is evidence of our commitment to providing key live sporting moments to the nation on free-to-air television.’
Managing director of the ATP World Tour Finals, Chris Kermode, added: ‘The BBC has provided a fantastic platform for our season-ending event on terrestrial television since 2009, and we’re very happy to extend our agreement a further two years. This agreement is great news for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals and for tennis fans in the UK as we look to continue to grow the tournament with every year.’
The 2013 edition of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals ended last night with reigning champion Novak Djokovic retaining his trophy by beating Rafael Nadal in the final.
