Tennis Channel to Unveil Direct-to-Consumer Streaming Platform November 12

Rhea-AI Summary

Tennis Channel is launching a direct-to-consumer streaming service on November 12, combining its 24-hour network with extensive live and on-demand content. The service will be available nationwide for $109.99 annually or $9.99 monthly through the Tennis Channel app and website. The platform will offer over 10,000 hours of tennis content, including live matches from over 100 tournaments, replays, highlights, and exclusive commentary. Current subscribers will receive the flagship channel at no extra charge, while cable and satellite customers will get authenticated access to enhanced content. The service covers ATP, WTA, Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, United Cup, and Laver Cup events.

Positive

• New revenue stream through direct-to-consumer streaming service
• Multiple pricing options ($109.99/year or $9.99/month) providing flexibility
• Extensive content library with 10,000+ hours of programming
• Rights to major tennis tournaments and exclusive content

Negative

• Potential cannibalization of traditional cable subscription revenue
• Competitive streaming market with established players

Insights

Media Streaming Analyst

The launch of Tennis Channel's DTC streaming platform marks a significant strategic shift for Sinclair, targeting the growing sports streaming market. The $109.99 annual subscription model aligns with industry standards while offering competitive value. The platform's integration of both live content and the flagship network addresses cord-cutting trends while maintaining traditional pay-TV relationships through authenticated access.

The extensive content library of 10,000+ hours and rights to major tournaments create a compelling value proposition. Market positioning as the most comprehensive tennis streaming service could drive subscriber growth, though success will depend on tennis's niche appeal compared to mainstream sports streaming services. The multi-platform availability and planned expansion suggest strong potential for scalability and market penetration.

Market Research Analyst

This strategic move positions Sinclair to capitalize on the rapidly growing sports streaming market while diversifying revenue streams. The dual subscription model ($9.99 monthly/$109.99 annually) offers flexibility while encouraging long-term commitment through annual pricing incentives. The platform's comprehensive coverage of ATP and WTA tours creates a strong moat in tennis content.

The timing is particularly strategic, launching ahead of the 2024 tennis season. By consolidating Tennis Channel+ into this new platform, Sinclair streamlines operations while potentially reducing customer acquisition costs. The retention of existing subscribers through grandfathered benefits should help maintain the current revenue base while expanding the potential market.

For the First Time, Fans Will Be Able to Subscribe Directly to Tennis Channel to Access the Flagship 24-Hour Network

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Tennis Channel will introduce a direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service that merges its flagship 24-hour network with extensive live and on-demand multicourt coverage, offering fans unparalleled access to the sport. Available to everyone in the United States beginning November 12, subscribers can sign up through the Tennis Channel app or website (www.tennischannel.com) and choose between a $109.99 annual package or a $9.99 monthly option.

The streamlined platform integrates all content previously available through subscription-streaming service Tennis Channel+, providing more than 10,000 hours of live and on-demand tennis. This includes replays, highlights and interviews along with press conferences and a library of series, podcasts and documentaries. Current subscribers will receive the flagship channel at no extra charge.

At the same time, cable and satellite video customers that receive Tennis Channel as part of their linear pay-TV bundle will also have authenticated access through the network app and website to the enhanced content previously only available through the stand-alone subscription streaming service Tennis Channel+, also at no further cost.

The addition of the Tennis Channel television network further enhances the app experience, offering exclusive commentary, in-depth analysis, player interviews and studio-show Tennis Channel Live. Daily coverage is led by lineup of Hall of Famers, including Martina Navratilova, Tracy Austin, Jim Courier, Lindsay Davenport and Andy Roddick.

“Tennis Channel is transforming the way fans connect with the sport,” said Matt Graham, senior vice president, direct-to-consumer, Tennis Channel. “By merging our flagship network with extensive live and on-demand offerings, we’re making it easier for fans to enjoy the game they love. Subscribers have total control of their viewing experience, with the ability to follow their favorite players in real-time, switch between multiple live matches or sit back and enjoy our 24/7 network.”

The new, all-in-one service provides the most live tennis coverage anywhere, with more than 100 tournaments and thousands of matches from both the men’s and women’s tours. This includes full access to the men’s ATP and women’s WTA seasons, featuring every 1000, 500 and 250 event, as well as their year-end championships. International team competitions Davis Cup (men’s national teams), Billie Jean King Cup (women’s national teams), United Cup (mixed men’s and women’s international teams) and Laver Cup (men’s Europe vs. World teams) are also available on the platform. It also carries exhibition events that showcase the sport’s biggest stars.

The Tennis Channel app is accessible on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Amazon Firestick and Roku, with plans for expansion to additional platforms.

Tennis Channel (www.tennischannel.com) and its sibling network T2, which are owned by Sinclair, Inc., are the only television-based multiplatform destinations dedicated to both the professional sport and tennis lifestyle. The networks have the most concentrated single-sport coverage in television in one of the world’s most voluminous sports, with multiple men’s and women’s tournaments and singles, doubles and mixed competition throughout the year. Tennis Channel and T2 have rights at the four majors – US Open, Wimbledon, Roland Garros (French Open) and Australian Open – and are the exclusive U.S. homes of all men’s ATP World Tour and women’s WTA Tour competitions, Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, United Cup, and Laver Cup. The network’s app and website house a direct-to-consumer streaming service with the traditional television network and 10,000 hours of live and on-demand matches beside original content. Tennis Channel International brings live competition and network content to markets in Europe and Asia via digital subscription and free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels. Additional platform www.tennis.com is the largest digital outlet dedicated to the sport. Tennis Channel also oversees a network of close to 20 podcasts and is a co-owner of Pickleballtv, a joint-venture with the Professional Pickleball Association.

About Sinclair:

Sinclair, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI) is a diversified media company and a leading provider of local news and sports. The Company owns, operates and/or provides services to 185 television stations in 86 markets affiliated with all the major broadcast networks; and owns Tennis Channel and multicast networks Comet, CHARGE!, TBD., and The Nest. Sinclair’s content is delivered via multiple platforms, including over-the-air, multi-channel video program distributors, and the nation’s largest streaming aggregator of local news content, NewsON. The Company regularly uses its website as a key source of Company information which can be accessed at www.sbgi.net.

Category: General

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241106743991/en/

Eric Abner, Tennis Channel, 310-314-9445, eabner@tennischannel.com, @TennisChannelPR

Source: Sinclair, Inc.

FAQ

When will Tennis Channel launch its direct-to-consumer streaming service?

Tennis Channel will launch its direct-to-consumer streaming service on November 12.

How much will Tennis Channel's streaming service cost?

The service will cost $109.99 for an annual subscription or $9.99 for a monthly subscription.

What content will be available on Tennis Channel's new streaming platform?

The platform will offer over 10,000 hours of content, including live matches from 100+ tournaments, replays, highlights, interviews, press conferences, and exclusive commentary.

Will current Tennis Channel subscribers need to pay extra for the new streaming service?

No, current subscribers will receive the flagship channel at no extra charge, and cable/satellite customers will get authenticated access to enhanced content at no additional cost.