Patrick-Ortlieb (ÖSV)-Johan-Eliasch (FIS)-Christian-Scherer (ÖSV) GEPA pictures
FIS, Ski Austria Reach Landmark Rights Agreement
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) and Ski Austria have finalized a long-term deal to centralize international broadcast rights. Beginning in the 2027-28 season, FIS will distribute media rights for all Austrian FIS World Cup events, according to FIS-Ski.com. The agreement runs through the 2033-34 season, with Infront continuing as FIS’s exclusive distribution partner.
Austria Ends Its Holdout
Austria had long resisted FIS’s centralization plan, preferring to manage its own broadcast deals. The dispute reached Austrian courts earlier this year, but judges postponed the case in February to allow for negotiations, according to skinews.ch. Austria has now agreed to join the unified model, following the other national ski associations that signed on last December, SportBusiness reported.
A Win for Fans
The agreement ensures consistent international coverage of Austria’s flagship events, including the Sölden World Cup Opening, the Hahnenkamm Races in Kitzbühel, Schladming and Flachau night slaloms, the Four Hills Tournament, and the Nordic Combined Triple, according to Ground News.
For U.S. fans, the deal moves the sport closer to ending the fractured viewing experience. Right now, fans juggle three different services to watch the full World Cup season. That setup produces inconsistent quality and, at times, commercial breaks that cut into winning runs. Centralization sets a clear standard and promises one-stop streaming with professional production. The fix won’t arrive this season, but the framework already exists.
Leadership Reaction
FIS President Johan Eliasch said the agreement “is an important step forward for the future of our sport” and will deliver a more consistent product “designed for the digital age.”
Ski Austria CEO Christian Scherer said the deal came after “intensive and constructive discussions on equal terms” and respects Austria’s “special position.”
Infront’s Bruno Marty added that Austrian races are “among the most watched and celebrated events in the FIS World Cup” and the centralized approach will maximize global reach.
Why It Matters
Austria’s move closes the last gap in FIS’s broadcast rights centralization. The unified framework provides planning security for organizers, stronger commercial value, and a smoother experience for fans worldwide. For American audiences, it’s another step toward finally watching the entire World Cup on one platform.
(Information for this story was sourced from FIS-Ski.com, PlanetSki.eu, SportBusiness, Ground News, and skinews.ch.)
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