Baku 2015 European Games has today signed a broadcast deal to ensure the inaugural event will be broadcast in Italy. Leading broadcaster Sky Italia will screen live coverage and highlights across its sports channels, as well as providing extensive coverage on Sky Go. The station has secured exclusive rights in the country and will also promote the Games via its popular Sky Sport 24 news channel to increase awareness and share the excitement of the inaugural European Games.

Mr Simon Clegg, Chief Operating Officer of Baku 2015, said: “We are very pleased to have agreed this deal with Sky Italia to guarantee extensive coverage of the European Games in Italy. “As one of the continent’s most successful sporting nations, we are expecting Italy to send a very strong team to Baku 2015 in pursuit of gold medals and glory.” Founded in 2003, Sky Italia has 4.7 million subscribers and an audience of more than 13 million viewers in the country and is considered one of Europe’s most respected sports broadcasters. The company broadcast the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games and also hold the rights for the Italy’s premier football competition Serie A, as well as the Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League and the European Qualifiers.

Mr Matteo Mammì, Director of Sport Rights, Programming and Production at Sky Italia, said: “The first European Games will be a brilliant celebration of sport enjoyed by the whole continent and we are very proud to be providing coverage in our country. “We are very much looking forward to a thrilling 17 days of competition in Baku and bringing the best of all the action to our subscribers.”

Mr Giovanni Malagò, President of the Italian National Olympic Committee, said: “We are delighted that the first European Games will be available for sports fans to view on the leading Italian TV broadcaster, as well as its online and mobile platforms. “This is great news for our athletes and millions of supporters, and I am sure this will help make Baku 2015 a success in Italy.”

Mr Charlie Wijeratna, Commercial Director of Baku 2015, added: “International broadcast sales are progressing very well, and it is fantastic that we have signed this agreement to broadcast the Games with such a renowned channel as Sky Italia. “The deal is another success for Baku 2015 and reflects the continued interest we are receiving from major broadcasters around the world. There will be more announcements relating to European countries in the coming months as we convert the deals we have agreed in principle into long-form contracts.”