Mediaset Secures ATP Finals Broadcast Rights in Italy, Signaling Growth for Tennis Viewership
Italy’s burgeoning tennis scene is set to receive a significant boost as Mediaset, the nation’s leading commercial broadcaster, has acquired the rights to showcase the annual ATP Finals tennis tournament beginning in 2026. The multi-year agreement with the ATP tour marks a shift in coverage, moving the prestigious event away from public-service broadcaster Rai.
The deal will see Mediaset’s free-to-air networks broadcast eight matches from each edition of the tournament, with an estimated annual rights fee of €4 million ($4.7 million), according to reports. This investment underscores the growing appeal of tennis within Italy, fueled by the success of its rising stars.
Turin to Remain ATP Finals Host Through 2030
The ATP Finals will continue to be held in Turin, Italy, through at least 2030, following a renewal of the hosting agreement between the ATP and the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation in November 2024. This commitment solidifies Italy’s position as a key hub for top-tier tennis, having hosted the event for the past five years.
Italy’s recent dominance in the sport is undeniable. The nation’s men’s team has clinched the Davis Cup three years running, propelled by the exceptional performances of current world number two Jannik Sinner, a two-time ATP Finals champion, and world number five Lorenzo Musetti. This golden generation of Italian players is attracting a wider audience and driving increased interest in the sport.
The 2026 ATP Finals are scheduled to take place from November 15 to 22.
Broadcast Landscape Remains Fragmented
While Mediaset gains prominence with the ATP Finals, Italy’s tennis broadcast landscape remains somewhat fragmented. Sky currently holds the primary rights package for the tournament through 2028, alongside coverage of Wimbledon and the US Open. WBD (formerly Warner Bros. Discovery) controls pan-European rights to the Australian Open and French Open, distributed via its Eurosport streaming services. The ATP Challenger Tour is broadcast on DAZN, and the Davis Cup and BJK Cup (women’s equivalent) are shown on SuperTennis.
Nitto Denko, a Japanese materials manufacturer, will continue its title sponsorship of the ATP Finals through 2030, having held the rights since 2017.
This evolving broadcast arrangement highlights the increasing competition for premium sports content and the growing value of reaching engaged audiences across multiple platforms. The addition of Mediaset to the mix promises to broaden access to the ATP Finals and further elevate the profile of tennis in Italy.
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