Add the French Open to the growing list of properties that are leaving ESPN.
In the wake of losing rights to properties like the British Open, U.S. Open golf, NASCAR and the NHRA, ESPN 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 executives 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. That meant ESPN did not always get the matches, or time slots, it wanted, which has led to meager ratings for its coverage of the Grand Slam.
