22.12.2025
The International Skating Union (ISU) Council recently convened to continue advancing the implementation of ISU Vision 2030, its transformative strategic plan aimed at modernizing ice skating sports worldwide. Meeting at a pivotal moment in the midst of a crucial Olympic season, the Council took a series of key decisions designed to strengthen global skating development and reform the event hosting allocation model.
With a focus on enhancing development initiatives for skaters, revisiting the Synchronized Skating format, and approving specific event relocation requests, the Council set a clear direction for the continued growth of ISU sports. As part of its agenda, the Council also reviewed the hosting model for future competitions, based on a robust bidding process underpinned by consistent and transparent assessment criteria.
Reflecting on the Council Meeting, ISU President Jae Youl Kim said: “This Council meeting marked another important step in delivering ISU Vision 2030, with the decisions taken once again demonstrating how innovation is shaping all areas of our activities. By strengthening meaningful development pathways for the skating community, introducing an enhanced criteria-based event hosting model, and expanding opportunities in Synchronized Skating, we are supporting our Member Federations and bringing our sports to more communities around the world in a strategic, inclusive, and sustainable way”.
The ISU Council reviewed the 2027–28 event bidding cycle, introducing a new structured and transparent evaluation process designed to support high-quality event delivery and long-term sport development.
Launched in September 2025, the bidding process fosters strategic event allocation through consistent standards and strong collaboration with ISU Members. It included a series of dedicated webinars, an Intent-to-Bid phase, and the submission of comprehensive bid documentation. In November, all complete applications were thoroughly reviewed by the Council against four established criteria, including:
Following this assessment, the Council confirmed a group of hosting Member Federations for events with fully validated bids. Event locations will be announced at a later stage once hosting agreements have been finalized.
Confirmed hosting Member Federations for 2027–28 events so far include:
Figure Skating:
Short Track:
Speed Skating:
Synchronized Skating:
Combined World Championships:
The ISU Council also reviewed the “Combined World Championships” proposition, a forward-looking event concept that unites all four ISU disciplines under one consolidated championship model. A preferred bidder has been identified, with development and feasibility work continuing into 2026. Formal confirmation of the Combined World Championships concept is targeted for spring 2026.
The ISU Council approved the extension of the current ISU Centers of Excellence (CoE) program through the 2026/27 season, ensuring continuity while the Council concurrently undertakes a comprehensive review of the CoE concept to define the future framework for the 2027–2030 cycle.
Accordingly, the following Centers of Excellence will continue their development activities during the 2026/27 season:
Figure Skating Branch:
Speed Skating Branch:
The Centers of Excellence play a central role within the ISU Development Program by providing high-quality training environments, facilitating the exchange of expertise, and supporting skaters, coaches, and officials across ISU Members.
Through training camps, technical seminars, and educational initiatives, the CoEs make a direct contribution to the preparation of athletes and coaches for major international competitions. Their continued operation supports the ISU’s strategic objective of strengthening global skating development while ensuring broader and more equitable access to expertise beyond traditional skating strongholds.
Synchronized Skating is set for exciting growth following the ISU Council’s approval of a new Synchronized Skating Category, “Synchro 9”. This new category features a fully reimagined event format with teams of nine skaters, a simplified and more intuitive judging system, and a show-enhanced, TV-friendly approach. Together, these elements will unlock the full potential of Synchronized Skating while highlighting its unique essence.
The Working Group also discussed with the Council the possibility of including the Synchro 9 category in the future Olympic Winter Games. In this context, Synchro 9 was submitted to the IOC for inclusion in the programme of the Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG). This application has been approved, marking the historic first appearance of Synchronized Skating at an Olympic event.
In parallel, the ISU Council has approved new rule changes for immediate implementation:
These developments represent a significant step forward in supporting the continued global expansion and evolution of Synchronized Skating, both within the ISU Vision 2030 and the Olympic movement.
Further to a request from the Kazakhstan Skating Union, the Council approved the relocation of two Short Track Junior events in 2026/27:
Both events will move from Almaty to Astana, following the successful delivery of recent Junior World Cup competitions there and the Organizing Committee’s strong efforts to enhance the spectator experience and venue presentation.
Date | Activity |
On January 15, 2026 | Publication of Election procedures & candidate requirements |
By March 10, 2026 | Submission of candidatures with all required documents |
By April 10, 2026 | Examination of Candidature Packages and conduct integrity checks |
By May 10, 2026 | Distribution of official list of candidates to ISU Members and publication on ISU website |
June 12, 2026 | ISU Congress
|
Date | Activity |
15 December, 2025 (extended to 17th) | Submission of candidatures |
31 December 2025 | Voter registration (except SYS) |
January 15-February 28, 2026 | AC Elections except SyS |
March 1-26, 2026 | AC Elections SyS |
By March 2, 2026 | Announcement AC Elections results except for SyS |
By March 28, 2026 | Announcement AC Elections results for SyS |
Before Congress | Election Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson (must be from different Branches) |
Please refer to ISU Communication 2759 for further details.