Tennis Australia is delighted to announce the renewal of its long-term media rights agreement with Japanese broadcaster WOWOW.
WOWOW has been the exclusive pay TV broadcaster of the Australian Open in Japan since 1992, bringing the excitement and drama of Grand Slam tennis to Japanese audiences for more than three decades.
During this time, WOWOW has become a trusted and passionate storyteller of the tournament, sharing unforgettable AO moments with millions of fans across Japan, including Naomi Osaka’s history-making wins in 2019 and 2021.
Japan regularly ranks within the top ten countries globally for viewership of the Australian Open.
"WOWOW has been one of our most enduring and valued broadcast partners, playing a vital role in growing the Australian Open’s presence in Japan,” Cedric Cornelis, Chief Commercial Officer at Tennis Australia, said.
“The WOWOW team’s passion for the sport and dedication to delivering a world-class viewing experience has helped shape the way Japanese fans connect with the AO. We’re thrilled to continue this journey together and look forward to building on our shared success with even more innovation and fan engagement in the years ahead."
Hitoshi Yamamoto, Representative Director, President & CEO, said, “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Tennis Australia, which has spanned over 30 years, and to once again deliver the excitement and unforgettable moments of the Australian Open matches to our viewers.
“Since our establishment, WOWOW has been committed to bringing the very best in world-class sports to Japanese audiences with utmost respect. Our live coverage of the Australian Open has continued over the years, and we have had the privilege of showcasing countless memorable matches as well as incredible performances by Japanese players. We are deeply grateful for the trust and high regard that Tennis Australia has shown toward our commitment.
“Looking ahead, we will further strengthen our relationship with Tennis Australia and actively pursue new initiatives, as we strive to provide even greater services to inspire and build strong bonds with tennis fans throughout Japan.”
The new agreement ensures continued broadcast of the Australian Open’s full suite of content across all platforms, including linear television, digital streaming, and on-demand services. WOWOW will continue its AO coverage of more than 14 hours a day on its linear television entertainment channels, and will live stream all AO matches.
WOWOW’s commitment to tennis extends well beyond the Australian Open, with broadcast rights to all four Grand Slam tournaments, the Laver Cup, and other major global sports properties including the UEFA Champions League and LPGA.
The renewed agreement reflects Tennis Australia’s ongoing commitment to expanding the global reach of the Australian Open and deepening its connection with fans across the Asia-Pacific region.