It means the BBC, a public-service broadcaster, will provide television, radio and online coverage of the event in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in two years' time.

Birmingham 2022 chief executive Ian Reid hailed the announcement as a "significant moment" for the Games.

It was made on the same day that Birmingham 2022 revealed it is to be the first major multi-sport event to award more medals to women than men.

"This is a significant moment for Birmingham 2022 and we are very proud to be working with the BBC as the Domestic Broadcast Rights Holder for the Games," Reid said.

"The BBC’s record in covering major sports events is truly outstanding and we can’t wait to work with them on our edition of the Commonwealth Games.

"Birmingham 2022 is the biggest sporting event to be staged in the UK since the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the BBC is the perfect broadcaster to showcase our 19 sports and 8 Para sports, the majority of which will be held in venues across Birmingham and the West Midlands, ensuring that the city and the region will be truly centre stage in 2022."

Birmingham 2022 is set to be the 18th consecutive Commonwealth Games broadcast by the BBC.

The broadcaster operates several TV channels in Britain - including its flagship BBC One - as well as 10 national radio stations, two of which are dedicated to sport.

The BBC is "delighted" to be broadcasting the Games, director general Tim Davie said.

"In a year when many major sport events have been postponed, this is welcome news for sports fans," Davie added.

Birmingham 2022 is set to run from 28 July to 8 August in 2022, and marks the first time England will host the event since Manchester 2002.

Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin also said she was "delighted" at the news.

"I believe this deal represents a huge vote of confidence in Birmingham as well as the entire Commonwealth Sport Movement," Dame Louise continued.

"We anticipate some of the world's highest profile athletes will compete at Birmingham, which will be an historic event for women’s sport, with more medals for women than men.

"The BBC has demonstrated a huge commitment to women’s sport and with 2022 marking their centenary, I am delighted they are partnering again with Commonwealth Sport to help us generate huge levels of excitement and anticipation in the lead up to one of the biggest sporting events the UK has ever have hosted."