ESPN’s 2026 US Open coverage begins Sunday, August 30. For the first time, the network is bringing its NFL RedZone format to tennis.
What We Know: ESPN plans to air every match from all 16 courts across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and the ESPN App. Meanwhile, RedZone debuts at the Open, running August 30 through September 4 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. The format follows ESPN’s January deal for NFL Network assets, including RedZone distribution, which gave the NFL a 10% stake in ESPN. Rece Davis anchors ABC’s three Sunday broadcasts, while Malika Andrews and Katie George host on-site.
What’s At Stake: This is the first time the network has used the RedZone branding for a sporting event since the acquisition with the NFL and NFL Network. If the results prove successful, it could lead to other options for coverage in event solely on ESPN and ABC properties.
What Remains Unclear: How the network will frame the RedZone coverage to tennis instead of how sports fans are used to seeing RedZone action is unknown. Also, whether or not commercials will air in RedZone coverage is also not specified. That was a hot topic of discussion for many NFL RedZone viewers last season.
What It Means: RedZone’s arrival signals ESPN leaning on its NFL relationship well beyond football season. Additionally, the format could reshape how fans consume tennis’s crowded, multi-court opening days. Ultimately, expect the network to test similar whip-around coverage across other live sports it controls if this experiment proves successful.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.