WTA strikes deal with sports TV network

ST. PETERSBURG — The Women’s Tennis Association, headquartered in St. Petersburg, has agreed to a five-year deal with Tennis Channel that will make the network the U.S. television and digital media home of the WTA, beginning in January.

According to a press release, the partnership includes premier and international tournaments as well as the WTA Finals — representing more than 2,000 matches each season.

Digital streaming rights are also part of the pact. Tennis fans will be able to subscribe directly to the network’s Tennis Channel Plus streaming service for additional WTA matches that are not available on television, and let TV subscribers take Tennis Channel with them on the go via mobile devices.

“The WTA is pleased to partner with Tennis Channel in showcasing women’s tennis and its world class athletes to our dedicated and passionate U.S. fans,” WTA President Micky Lawler states in the release. “We look forward to growing the WTA with the Tennis Channel across U.S. households through unified broadcast, streaming and media platforms.”

Tennis Channel President Ken Solomon states in the release that the network “couldn’t be more thrilled to tell the year-round story of the athletes and other off-court personalities who make the WTA the preeminent brand in women’s sports.”

He adds, “The women’s game is the biggest differentiator between tennis and every other sport, and one of the most powerful elements in helping grow mass viewership online.”