Baku 2015 European Games has signed a deal with China Central Television that will see the inaugural event broadcast across the whole country. The extensive deal grants exclusive broadcast rights across China to the station’s CCTV 5 and CCTV 5+ sports channels.

The station, which has an approximate audience of 1.2 billion people, will broadcast the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, as well as highlights of all 20 sports competitions.

Mr Simon CLEGG, Baku 2015 Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are delighted to have confirmed this significant deal with China Central Television which ensures the inaugural European Games will be enjoyed by a huge number of sports fans across Asia. Baku 2015 will be an exceptional celebration of sport featuring some of Europe’s elite athletes, and it is wonderful to know that fans from all over the world will be able to tune in to the action.”

The deal also guarantees content will be provided across all China Central Television’s digital media platforms, including internet and mobile coverage.

China Central Television are the predominant sports broadcaster in the country and hold rights for both the summer and winter Olympic Games, as well as the Asian Games, the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League and all other major sporting events from around the world.

Mr Jiang HEPING, Controller of China Central Television, said: “The European Games will be a fantastic addition to the international sports calendar and we are very happy to be able to bring the best of the Baku 2015 action to our vast audience of sports fans in China.”

To date, broadcast deals have been agreed that will see the European Games broadcast in 33 countries around the world, with many more deals set to be announced in the near future.

Mr Charlie WIJERATNA, Commerical Director of Baku 2015, said: “We are delighted with the broadcast deals we have secured to date, which will ensure high-quality coverage of the inaugural European Games for fans around the globe. We know that interest in Baku 2015 extends beyond our own continent, and we are looking forward to entertaining the world with 17 days of fantastic sport.”