The extensive deal grants exclusive broadcast rights across China to the station's CCTV 5 and CCTV 5+ sports channels.

The deal comes less than a week after CCTV signed a $550 million (£350 million/€450,000) deal with the International Olympic Committee to broadcast the next four Games.

Under the agreement with Baku 2015, the network will broadcast the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, as well as highlights of all 20 sports competitions, bringing with it the biggest potential global audience of 1.2 billion.

"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," said Simon Clegg, Baku 2015 chief operating officer

"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 CCTV's digital media platforms, including internet and mobile coverage.

China Central Television are the main sports broadcaster in China, covering major sporting events such as the Olympic and Asian Games, and FIFA World Cup ©Getty Images



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

"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," said Jiang Heping, controller of China Central Television.

This latest deal brings the total broadcasts partners up to 33 ahead of next year's European Games, with a number of others expected in the near future.

But deals with several European countries, most notably Britain, still have to be announced. 

"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," said Charlie Wijeratna, commerical director of Baku 2015.

"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."

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