ATP Media signs content deal with IMG for tennis rights

LONDON - ATP Media, which handles the broadcast rights for the ATP Masters Series, has signed a deal with content provider IMG Media for exclusive worldwide rights for the nine-tournament series along with the season closing Tennis Masters Cup until the end of 2010.

Before this contract extension, IMG Media had held the rights for six years. 

This year the series has included Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal competing for the ATP Masters Series shields in some of the world's most glamorous locations including Miami, Monte Carlo, Rome and Madrid.

The deal covers television and new-media rights.

Mark Webster, chief executive of ATP Media, said: "We have been working successfully with IMG Media for over six years and in that time we have seen unprecedented growth in the distribution and revenues for the ATP Masters Series. The future looks equally bright and we look forward to continued exponential growth across all media platforms."

Michel Masquelier, head of acquisition and sales at IMG Media, said: "We are delighted that ATP Media and IMG Media are renewing their fruitful collaboration for the prestigious ATP Masters Series. We have been able to provide a broad range of services to the series, not just in increased sales via access to our considerable worldwide distribution network, but also consultancy services with broadcast partners and production assistance."

Pic: ATP

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