ESPN Bids Adieu to French Open After 13 Years

SportsBusiness Daily: Add the French Open to the growing list of properties that are leaving ESPN. In the wake of losing rights to the British Open, U.S. Open golf, NASCAR and the NHRA, the sports network is walking away from the French Open after 13 years. While media attention in recent months has focused on cost-cutting moves in Bristol, ESPN execs said the move on the event had nothing to do with saving money. Rather, they say the decision is based on the network’s position as the second or third TV outlet covering the tournament — behind NBC and Tennis Channel.