The EBU, who operate Eurovision, will now show the 2013, 2014 and 2015 World Rowing Championships, with the latter event serving as the qualifier for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The deal also includes the annual World Rowing Cup series and the European Rowing Championships.

The opening event of the renewed agreement will be the first regatta of the 2013 Samsung World Rowing Cup series from March 22 until 24 in Sydney.

"Our relationship with the EBU started in the early 1980s, and it has been a long and successful one," said FISA President Denis Oswald.

"But, as everyone knows, much has changed in the television world in recent years, particularly in the way that sports events are televised, and how their rights are exploited and distributed.

"In the light of these many significant changes, I am pleased to acknowledge that Eurovision has shown the flexibility and foresight to adapt to these times.

"I look forward to a highly collaborative and productive relationship with the EBU and their members through to 2016."

Eurovision sports and business director Stefan Kuerten also also expressed his delight at the new deal.

"FISA was the first international sports federation to join the Olympic Movement, making rowing today a time-honoured mainstay of the modern Olympic Games," he said.

"That FISA has once again entrusted Eurovision and the EBU members with giving rowing's marquee events the free to air exposure they deserve tells of a thriving partnership that will continue to grow in strength."

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