Sony LIV is streaming the Australian Open 2026, giving fans front-row access to the season’s first Grand Slam live from the famous Melbourne Park in Australia. And, reinforcing the scale and prestige of the tennis tournament, the streamer has brought together an impressive lineup of brand partners for the 2026 edition.
Tourism Australia, the Co-Presenting sponsor, highlights Australia’s appeal as a top sporting and travel destination. Mastercard, a leader in digital payments, comes on board as the Co-Powered by sponsor, strengthening its connection with premium international sporting events. Smallcase, the modern investment platform, joins as the Partner sponsor. Iconic luxury watchmaker Rolex adds an element of timeless excellence through inventory buys during the broadcast, SonyLIV said in a press statement today.
The Australian Open 2026 features top-level tennis players — from Aryna Sabalenka to the old war-horse Novak Djokovic — competing on Melbourne’s famous courts. They bring intense rivalries, standout performances, and classic Grand Slam excitement under the Australian summer sun. Indian audiences stay highly engaged, following both global icons and rising Indian talent. As tennis continues to gain popularity through digital access, the Australian Open becomes one of the most awaited sporting events of the year for a young, affluent, and sports-aware audience.
Ranjana Mangla, Head – Digital Ad Sales and YouTube business, SPNI, said in a statement, “Tennis holds immense value for us, both from a subscription and advertising monetisation perspective. By engaging a dedicated audience cohort year-round, we keep our super-premium viewers actively connected. The Australian Open is one of the marquee sporting events that draws passionate fans in India.
“For the 2026 edition, Sony LIV is thrilled to showcase top-tier tennis alongside esteemed brands such as Tourism Australia, Mastercard, Smallcase, and Rolex. These partnerships not only amplify the tournament’s appeal but also reinforce the strong connect it shares with our audience. As we kick off the sporting calendar, our goal is to deliver an immersive viewing experience for fans while creating meaningful opportunities for our partners to tell their brand stories on our platform.”
Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager-India and Gulf, Tourism Australia, added, “India’s evolution into a multi-sport nation is truly influencing travel behaviour, with global sporting events emerging as a key passion point for travel decisions. Travellers are seeking experiences centred around major tournaments such as cricket and tennis, combining sport with destination-led travel. Tourism Australia’s long-standing association with Sony LIV has played an important role in showcasing not just the sport but also the destination, highlighting how major sporting moments can offer compelling reasons to travel and watch the game live at some of the iconic venues.”
Lavani Agarwal, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, South Asia at Mastercard, hailed the partnership as ‘priceless experiences’.
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