ARN has announced a landmark five-year sponsorship and broadcast agreement with the Australian Open, bringing fans closer to the action than ever before across radio, iHeart, video, social and live experiences.
Revealed at today’s Upfront27, the partnership will begin in 2027 and mark a major expansion of ARN’s presence at Melbourne Park, delivering more Australian Open content for audiences and new opportunities for advertisers to connect with fans throughout the summer.
ARN’s biggest shows and talent will broadcast live from Melbourne Park throughout the tournament, beginning with KIIS and GOLD Breakfast and continuing across the workday and into Drive with Carrie Bickmore, Jonesy and Amanda and Smallzy, before Eddie McGuire and Abbey Gelmi bring audiences the latest from Melbourne Park on GOLD Sport.
Shows and content will also feature across YouTube and social, while a dedicated Australian Open DAB+ channel in Sydney and Melbourne, alongside live streaming on iHeart, will keep fans connected to the action. Coverage will extend to iHeart podcasts, including Two Good Sports and the AO’s official podcast Pod Laver Arena, alongside roving reporters, sports news updates and on-ground activations.
The partnership will extend beyond the tournament itself, with content and commercial opportunities running across the summer to build excitement before the first ball is served and keep fans engaged throughout the tournament.
The agreement will also take the Australian Open beyond the major cities, using ARN’s regional network and trusted local voices to connect fans and advertisers with communities across Australia.
For advertisers, the partnership opens up new ways to be part of one of Australia’s biggest sporting and cultural moments. Brands can get involved through live broadcasts, talent-led integrations, branded audio, video, social and podcast content and on-ground activations, before, during and after the tournament. ARN’s partnership with ARE Media will further extend those opportunities into food, fashion and lifestyle content through titles including ELLE and Gourmet Traveller.
Kerri Elstub, ARN Chief Content Officer, said: “For three weeks every January, the Australian Open captures the imagination of the whole country, and for the next five years ARN will be right at the centre of it.
“This is a huge commitment and a major step up from where we’ve been. It means more content from Melbourne Park for our audiences and significantly more opportunities for our advertisers.
“And it won’t just be big in the cities. Regional Australia loves the Open, and through ARN’s powerful regional network, fans and communities right across the country will be part of it.”
Tennis Australia Chief Commercial Officer Cedric Cornelis said: “The Australian Open is about creating unforgettable moments for fans, both on and off the court, and ARN’s ability to reach millions of Australians every day will help us bring those moments to life in new ways.
“Whether fans are tuning in from Melbourne, Sydney or regional communities across the country, this partnership will make it easier than ever to stay connected to the Australian Open and the stories that make our event so special.
“We’re delighted to welcome ARN as a long-term partner and look forward to delivering world-class content and experiences together.”
The partnership further strengthens ARN’s growing sports and entertainment portfolio and continues the network’s evolution into an entertainment company connecting with audiences across audio, video, social and live experiences.
