EBU seals extension with European Union of Gymnastics

The European Broadcasting Union consortium of free-to-air broadcasters has extended its exclusive media rights and services partnership with the European Union of Gymnastics (UEG) governing body.

The extended deal will run for four years, from 2017 to 2020.

The EBU will retain the television, digital and radio rights to UEG properties and events on an exclusive basis.

The agreement will cover 10 championships including all men’s and women’s European Artistic and Rhythmic Championships and the UEG 2018 European Artistic Championships, which will be integrated into the European Sports Championships as part of the deal. The deal also includes the live streaming of all European Artistic and Rhythmic Championships.

In addition, Eurovision, the operational arm of the EBU, will serve as the UEG’s exclusive service provider for worldwide distribution and main sponsor for all UEG European Championships.

The agreement also includes scope for developments and future changes in the competition format in order to adapt to viewer requirements.

Ingolfur Hannesson, head of sports rights, indoor sports, at the EBU, said: “Through the EBU viewers are guaranteed maximum free-to-air access and increased visibility of the sport. Through the development of our digital partnership, both the EBU and the UEG are enabling this powerful and at the same time graceful sport to reach new and younger audiences.”