Tennis: WTA Agrees to a Media Deal Worth $525 Million

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has agreed to a "game-changing" deal with digital media company, PERFORM. The 10-year, $525 million deal will broadcast thousands of main draw singles matches per year, the association announced.

"This is a game changing and historic moment for our fans and for women's sport," WTA chairman and CEO, Stacey Allaster said in a statement reported by Reuters. "Our new broadcast strategy to produce all 2000 main draw singles matches in partnership with (broadcast distribution partner) PERFORM will deliver exponential global exposure for our players, tournaments and partners."

The increased broadcast will give fans a greater overall experience.

PERFORM's joint CEO, Simon Denyer, added, "We are strong believers in the exceptional sport entertainment value of the WTA and are committed to driving the value for all WTA members and partners. This deal also delivers maximum exposure to the WTA's global fans on multiple platforms. This is a groundbreaking and innovative partnership and is a major first step in a significant 10-year growth plan for PERFORM."

The deal, which spans from 2017 through to 2026 is the "largest live media rights and production venture in the history of the WTA and in women's sports," the WTA announced in a news release. To put things in perspective, the W.N.B.A has a deal with ESPN worth $12 million a year.

Ken Solomon, the chairman and chief executive of Tennis Channel, commented, reported by the New York Times that the deal "says a lot about how women's tennis is on the upswing, which is undeniable when you look at the star power of the Wozniackis, the Marias and Serenas, and some up-and-comers The W.T.A. has a unique advantage - it's the only sport where women are as, or more powerful, than their male counterparts."