The Baku European Games Operation Committee has appointed Madrid-headquartered International Sports Broadcasting to serve as the host broadcaster for the inaugural European Games multi-sport event, which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan in 2015.
Under the terms of the deal, ISB will produce an anticipated 1,200 hours of broadcast coverage in high definition, including live coverage of all event semi-finals and finals and a daily highlights package. ISB will also cover the opening and closing ceremonies and the evening entertainment from the Victory Celebration Plaza. In addition to its role as host broadcaster, ISB has been appointed to manage the sale of broadcast rights for the 2015 European Games to broadcasters throughout Europe and beyond. ISB will also design and operate the International Broadcast Centre for the event.
Founded in 1996 by Manolo Romero, ISB has served as the host broadcaster for seven Olympic Games, six Paralympic Games and continental events such as the Pan American Games. “This is very positive news, not only for the inaugural European Games in Baku in 2015 but also for the long-term sustainability of the European Games,” European Olympic Committees president Patrick Hickey said. “It shows that the European Games is a viable product that can command significant TV audiences, in Europe and around the world. In turn, this will help attract serious commercial partners for future editions.”
The first-ever European Games will be held from June 12-28, 2015. The Games, which were created by the EOC and awarded to Baku in December 2012, will feature more than 5,000 athletes from 49 countries competing in at least 18 sports.