NOS is one of a further six broadcasters to sign an agreement with Baku 2015 ©Getty Images

Baku 2015 has signed deals with a further six broadcasters from across Europe and Central Asia, all of which will screen this summer’s inaugural European Games in varying capacities.

Among the broadcasters is NOS, The Netherlands’ free-to-air public broadcaster and Olympic rights holder.

Earlier this week, the Netherlands Olympic Committee and Sport Federation (NOC*NSF) confirmed a nationwide Dutch bid for the second edition of the European Games in 2019.

"It’s great news for Dutch sport that NOS will screen the inaugural European Games, and for the public to be able to follow and support our athletes competing in Baku,” said NOC*NSF President André Bolhuis.

“Dutch people love sport, and I’m sure that our competitors will be encouraged by the support of millions of NOS viewers during Baku 2015.

“It is also important for people in our country to get to know the event, as we have a strong desire to organise the next edition in 2019.”

Joining NOS in reaching agreements are Czech TV and television network DIGI Sport, which together will broadcast extensive daily coverage of the European Games, as well as TV6, Austrian public broadcaster ORF and Setanta Sports Eurasia.

Baku 2015 has partnered with the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee to license TV6, part of the Modern Times Group, to showcase the European Games on their free-to-air channel, while ORF will have exclusive free-to-air rights and offer 60 minute highlights on a daily basis through its Sport Plus channel.

Andre Bolhuis, President of the Netherlands Olympic Committee and Sport Federation, said it's important for Dutch nationals to get to know the European Games
Andre Bolhuis, President of the Netherlands Olympic Committee and Sport Federation, said it's important for Dutch nationals to get to know the European Games ©Getty Images

The agreements are the latest in a series signed by Baku 2015, with the event’s broadcast reach now stretching to all corners of Europe and across the globe.

Agreements have also been confirmed in United States, Canada, Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, and Latin America, in addition to North Africa and the Arab world.

Simon Clegg, chief operating officer of Baku 2015, outlined the extent of the Baku 2015 television audience during a recent event at the world-famous Dorchester Hotel in London, which was held in honour of the European Games and hosted by Tahir Taghizadeh, the Azerbaijani ambassador to the UK.

“The latest television deals show the extensive interest across Europe and beyond in the European Games being staged in Baku this summer,” said Clegg.

“Our broadcasting arrangements across Europe mean that more than 225 million European households will be able to watch the Games, delivering 75 per cent of total market penetration in the 32 European countries announced to date.

“With deals in place around the world, we can guarantee a truly global audience for this inaugural event.”


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