The partnership, which will run from this year until 2019, covers the worldwide rights to a number of the USATF's top events.

These include the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston - part of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Indoor Tour season.

The NYRR Millrose Games, Drake Relays and the USATF Outdoor Championships are also covered.

"Our partnership with Lagardère Sports is a testament to the international power of Team USATF and our sport," said USATF chief executive Max Siegel. 

"USATF is excited about the opportunity to enrich our growing global fan base through this new media rights agreement."

Lagardère Sports' portfolio already includes ten IAAF Gold Label marathons, nine IAAF World Challenge events and four IAAF World Indoor Tour events.

"We’re excited to work with USATF to help them build the global visibility of several major events," said Lagardère's sports executive vice president for media, global sales and acquisitions, Stefan Felsing. 

"Athletics is a popular sport and fans across the world will be keen to see their favourite athletes in action. 

"Our teams will use their expertise to drive distribution and create maximum value for USATF."