The America’s Cup is to be shown in China after a ground-breaking deal between event organisers and a Chinese sports channel.

CCTV Sports and Entertainment has acquired exclusive rights to broadcast all stages of the America’s Cup, giving the world’s biggest TV audience a good look at Bermuda, host nation for the 2017 finals.

America’s Cup commercial commissioner Harvey Schiller said: “This is a tremendous opportunity for the America’s Cup, our partners and our teams to demonstrate the excitement of America’s Cup racing to the largest national television audience in the world.”

The races, including the 2017 finals in Bermuda, will be carried on CCTV5+, the network’s free-to-air sports channel to the Chinese mainland.

The news came as Moet & Chandon was announced as the official champagne of the event.

The champagne house, part of the same MHLV luxury brands group as major sponsors Louis Vuitton, has an association with the event dating back to 1987.

Stephane Baschiera, president and CEO of Moet & Chandon, said: “The America’s Cup is the epitome of elegant achievement and the bold pursuit of victory.

“It is a perfect reflection of Moet & Chandon’s own pioneering spirit of success. We raise a toast to this prestigious event and its exceptional participants.”