Universal Sports Network, which has also acquired the broadcast rights to distribute the Games in Canada, will broadcast daily coverage from Azerbaijan, including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, on its linear channel and online at www.universalsports.com.

"Signing this agreement with Universal Sports is a major boost to Baku 2015 and ensures the Games will be shown to one of the largest television audiences in the world," said Simon Clegg, chief operating officer of Baku 2015.

"This deal proves there is real appetite for the first European Games across the globe, and I am sure that sports fans in the USA will enjoy tuning in to follow the action this summer."

Universal Sports Network is considered the premier media destination for year-round Olympic, endurance and action sports programming in the US.

Offering more than 1,200 hours of original programming each year, it holds exclusive rights to more than 25 world championships and showcases the world's best athletes competing in more than 40 sports annually.

Universal Sports Network is available across the US on Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications, Bright House Networks, Verizon FiOS, as well as satellite providers DIRECTV and DISH, and numerous regional cable and IPTV operators in markets across the country.

Universal Sports Network is considered the premier media destination for year-round Olympic programming in the US ©Getty Images



"Showcasing the first European Games reflects Universal Sports' commitment to international sport," said Robert James, senior vice-president of content and communications at Universal Sports Network.

"The European countries represented and the top athletes participating at the Games promise to bring great competition and excitement for our viewers across the USA."

Baku 2015 has now announced deals to broadcast the Games in 50 countries around the world.

Earlier this month, agreements were signed with public broadcasters RTVE in Spain, ERR in Estonia, Latvian-based LTV and Slovenian broadcaster RTV Slovenija, as well as Portuguese subscription station Sport TV.

Finnish broadcaster Yle and Greece's main public service provider, New Hellenic Radio, Internet and Television, followed suit last week.

But deals for Russia and the United Kingdom, two of the biggest and most lucrative markets in Europe, still have to be announced. 

More than 6,000 athletes are expected to descend on the Azerbaijani capital for the European Games, with competitors taking part in 16 Olympic and four non-Olympic sports between June 12 and 28.

It is claimed that more than one billion people worldwide will be able to watch the event.

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February 2015: Baku 2015 signs deals with Finnish and Greek broadcasters