France Télévisions is preparing a major change in its broadcasting of the French Open. The public broadcaster plans to offer simultaneous coverage of the tournament on France 2 and France 3 during the first ten days of the 2027 edition. The objective is clear: to offer viewers more live tennis, with more choices on air and fewer channel switches.
Until now, television coverage relied primarily on alternating broadcasts between channels. France 2 aired matches in the afternoon, before they switched to France 3 later in the day. With this proposed new system, both channels could broadcast matches simultaneously, allowing viewers to follow multiple games without waiting for the end of a match or a schedule change.
The possible end of the switchover between France 2 and France 3
This choice would significantly alter viewers' habits. The switch between France 2 and France 3 has been a feature of Roland-Garros television coverage for years, but it sometimes forces viewers to change channels mid-match. With simultaneous broadcasts, France Télévisions could distribute the matches according to their sporting merit, court, or time slot, while maintaining strong coverage across its two national channels.
The change would affect the first ten days of the tournament, the busiest period at Roland-Garros. This is when the men's and women's draws feature the most matches, with several important fixtures scheduled concurrently. Broadcasting on two channels would therefore allow for better coverage of the courts and limit the number of choices faced by viewers.
An agreement with the FFT is still needed.
France Télévisions cannot implement this new organization alone. The public broadcaster must propose this change to the French Tennis Federation (FFT), which retains the final decision on the broadcasting arrangements. If the FFT approves, Roland-Garros 2027 could therefore benefit from broader coverage on France Télévisions channels.
The public broadcaster holds the rights to Roland-Garros until 2027, in a shared agreement with Prime Video. France Télévisions broadcasts the matches during the day, while the streaming platform retains a specific portion of the programming according to the existing agreements. This potential extension on France 2 and France 3 would therefore fall within the final year of the current contract.
A direct benefit for the public
For viewers, the benefit is immediate. Two live channels mean more matches available for free, greater continuity, and a clearer schedule. During the early rounds, when matches are played on multiple courts, this dual broadcast could allow viewers to follow more top players, French competitors, and close matches.
France Télévisions is thus banking on more comfortable and comprehensive coverage of the tournament. If the project is approved, Roland-Garros 2027 will benefit from increased exposure on public television, with France 2 and France 3 broadcasting simultaneously during the busiest part of the fortnight.
