As the curtain closes on a successful 2024/25 skating season, the International Skating Union (ISU) celebrates a transformative year - one that opened a bold new chapter for the sport. Throughout the past season, a series of major innovations took center stage redefining how ice skating is experienced - on the ice, in the arenas, and across screens worldwide.

Evan Bates & Madison Chock (USA) performing in the new immersive experience lighting at the Gala of the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2025 in Boston (USA) ©ISU

From revamped event formats and immersive in-venue experiences to refreshed branding, upgraded broadcasting and a captivating content offer, the ISU delivered a host of initiatives that reflect the core ambitions of ISU Vision 2030 - the organization’s strategic roadmap to elevate and modernize ice-skating sports globally. 

LED rink boards, screens & immersive experience lighting at the Gala of the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2025 in Boston (USA) ©ISU

“This season has been extraordinary, not only because of the remarkable performances from our skaters, but also due to the exciting changes taking place within the ISU,” said ISU President Jae Youl Kim. “Skaters are the stars of our sport, and every innovation we introduce is designed to make them shine even brighter. Through ISU Vision 2030, we have made great strides towards a more dynamic, inclusive and future-ready sport.” 

ISU President Jae Youl Kim during the Backstage Media Tour at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2025 in Boston (USA) ©ISU

He continued: “A key driver of Vision 2030 is building the right capabilities to deliver on our ambitious plan. The ISU has been recruiting talented individuals with diverse expertise and perspectives, starting with Director General Colin Smith. These new team members, working in close collaboration with our existing experts, have done a tremendous job introducing exciting changes to both our sport and the way we operate. And this is just the beginning. We are on a clear path of ongoing growth, innovation, and opportunity.”

Unlocking the full potential of ice-skating sports

As the ISU delivers on the promises of ISU Vision 2030, the changes in the sport over the past season have become increasingly visible and tangible for skaters, fans and partners alike.

In Venues: Elevated Live Atmosphere

The in-venue atmosphere at ISU competitions was completely transformed. Cutting-edge LED technologies, captivating light shows, live DJs, and interactive games elevated the energy and excitement of competitions, creating a deeper sense of immersion for fans and audiences. A bold new visual identity, reflected in redesigned ISU branding elements, further contributed to a modern and engaging event environment.

Crowd interactions and new LED technology in action at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2025 in Boston (USA) ©ISU

On Screens: Enhanced Broadcast Experience

Viewers enjoyed a more immersive and dynamic broadcasting experience, thanks to enhanced production quality, redesigned TV graphics, and enriched storytelling that brought skaters’ performances to life like never before.

Online: Major Digital Transformation

The ISU undertook a significant digital transformation with the launch of an all-new website that brings together a fan-centric site (Home of Skating) with a reimagined institutional hub (Inside ISU). With its sleek, modern design and dynamic navigation features, this new dual platform approach offers tailored multimedia content across all ice-skating disciplines and ISU-related topics. 

The new ISU “Home of Skating” fan-centered website ©ISU

From live event coverage and real-time results to skaters’ profiles, thematic stories and key announcements, the new websites have been designed to meet the engagement and visibility needs of fans, skaters, coaches, Member federations, event organizers, media and partners. 

The top stories of the new ISU "Home of Skating" website ©ISU

The new “Inside ISU” corporate website ©ISU

Beyond the website, the ISU has expanded its presence on a multiplicity of digital channels to drive stronger content diversification, customization and geographical outreach. For example, compelling localized ice-skating content can now be found in Korea on Naver and in China on Weibo, WeChat, Douyin, Red, and Bilibili.  

Behind the Scenes: Increased Access and Transparency

The ISU opened the doors wider than ever before. Exclusive backstage tours at major events gave partners and media unprecedented access to areas typically reserved for athletes, officials, and staff. These tours provided unique opportunities to meet the teams behind the scenes, those who bring each event to life. 

ISU Figure Skating Event Manager Wieland Lüders during the Backstage Media Tour at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2025 in Boston (USA) ©ISU

Journalists also had the chance to connect with legendary skating icons, gaining insights into their careers and the sport’s ongoing evolution. These combined efforts provided media and partners a more intimate, transparent, and authentic look into the world of skating.

Nathan Chen (USA), legendary Figure Skating icon giving press interviews at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2025 in Boston (USA) ©ISU 

“I am incredibly proud of all the innovations that have been put in place throughout the season,” said ISU Director General Colin Smith. “When I joined the ISU, the mission was clear: modernizing the sport and strengthening its global presence to ensure a successful future for ice skating. Guided by ISU Vision 2030, we have added high-calibre professionals to the team, implemented key internal reforms, and set the foundation for innovation across every level of the organization.”

ISU Director General Colin Smith at the media round table during the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2025 in Boston (USA) ©ISU

He added: “The launch of our new digital ecosystem was a major milestone, and it’s one part of a much broader shift towards the future. From reimagining how we present events and engage fans, to pushing forward governance reforms at Congress, we are building a sport that is more dynamic, inclusive, and ready for tomorrow. It's exciting to see what has been accomplished in such a short time, but this really is only the beginning – there’s so much more to come in the season ahead.”

 

Figure Skating 

In Figure Skating, significant efforts have been made to modernize the sport’s traditional image. For the first time this season, two major Figure Skating events - the Grand Prix Final in Grenoble and World Championships in Boston - introduced state-of-the-art LED technologies that delivered fresh and contemporary aesthetics while further highlighting the sport’s artistry and technical precision. 

Amber Glenn (USA) performing with the new LED screens and rink boards in the background, improving the in-venue experience at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2025 in Boston (USA) ©ISU

These innovations included dynamic LED boards encircling the ice, an LED-lit archway for the skaters’ entrance, and an LED screen as part of the Kiss & Cry. With the flexibility and creative possibilities these tools provide, sports presentation has entered a new era. Not only do they amplify the storytelling around the skaters’ journeys, personalities and performances, but they also boost the visual appeal of broadcasts and branded content, offering greater adaptability for partners and opening up new commercial opportunities. 

Left: Leader’s Chair. Right: Kiss & Cry with curved LED screen at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2025 in Boston (USA) ©ISU

The “Leaders’ Chair” also made its debut at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Boston, reimagining the traditional backstage “Green Room” area by placing it prominently beside the Kiss & Cry. This new setup hosted the leading skaters from the final two groups of the Free Skating and Free Dance segments, giving spectators a unique opportunity to witness the leaders’ real-time reactions and emotions as they watched their competitors perform.

In a continued effort to prioritize skaters' physical and mental well-being, the ISU also launched the “Calm Zone” at the ISU World Championships in Boston (read more here). 

Calm Zone initiative at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2025 in Boston (USA) ©ISU 

Designed as a cozy, welcoming space amidst the intensity of competition, the Calm Zone offered a space for skaters to recharge emotionally, practice mindfulness, and find balance during the event’s emotional highs and lows. The atmosphere encouraged artistic expression, quiet reflection, and relaxed conversation. Adding a unique and heartwarming touch, therapy dogs from the Boston Red Cross were on hand to provide comfort and connection - offering support that words sometimes can’t.  

Skaters enjoying the therapy dogs in the Calm Zone at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2025 in Boston (USA) ©ISU

Short Track

In October 2024, Short Track took a major leap forward with the introduction of the ISU Short Track World Tour, a premier six-event circuit featuring the world’s top-ranked skaters and spanning three continents - North America, Asia and Europe.

ISU Short Track World Tour in-venue branding in Montreal (CAN), October 2024 ©ISU

Built around the motto “Feel the Rush”, this Tour introduced a whole new event format designed to showcase the sport’s intensity and explosive energy. With immersive fan experiences both in arenas and through enhanced TV broadcast coverage, this series brought Short Track to life in a more engaging and thrilling way than ever before. 

The innovations were numerous. Visually, the crowds and viewers experienced a bold new identity for the sport: vibrant new branding and venue dressing, updated TV graphics and real-time infotainment. 

ISU Short Track World Tour in-venue experience in Montreal (CAN), October 2024 ©ISU

From an entertainment standpoint, the Tour took on the feel of a live show, complete with lighting effects and performances by live DJs. 

On the ice, skaters wore newly redesigned racing suits featuring bold colors and distinctive team identities, designed to boost team pride and strengthen the bond with fans (read here). 

From left to right: N. Mirei (JPN), Q. Fercoq (FRA), X. Velzeboer (NED), J. Pierre-Gilles (CAN), H. Desmet (BEL), P. Sighel (ITA), E. Andersen (NOR) posing at the ISU Short Track World Tour, Montreal (CAN), October 2024 ©ISU – Christian Martin

ISU Short Track World Tour 2024/25 with new racing suits and team identities. Top left to right: Seoul (KOR), Beijing (CHN). Bottom left to right: Tilburg (NED) and Milan (ITA) ©ISU

These visual identities also extend into merchandising, giving fans new ways to connect with their favorite teams while creating valuable revenue opportunities for the teams themselves.

ISU Short Track World Tour 2024/25 Team identities overview ©ISU

Another exciting addition this season was the introduction of the ISU Team Crystal Globe Trophy, awarded to the team with the highest cumulative points across the Tour (read here). This new accolade complements the existing Crystal Globe Trophies awarded to the top-performing male and female skaters (read here). 

Canadian Ice Maples Team winning the Team Crystal Globe trophy at the final stop of the ISU Short Track World Tour 2025 in Milan (ITA) ©ISU

Kristen Santos-Griswold (USA) and William Dandjinou (CAN), Crystal Globe 2024/25 Champions at the ISU Short Track World Tour 2025 in Milan (ITA) ©ISU

Alongside these prestigious trophies, the male and female champions also received uniquely designed winners’ helmets, created by Dutch Short Track skater Itzhak de Laat (read here). These one-off, customized pieces are worn by the reigning champions for the entire next season, marking them out as the number one and setting them out from the pack.

ISU Short Track World Tour Winner’s Helmet 2024/25 specially designed by Itzhak de Laat (NED) ©ISU

ISU Director General Colin Smith added: “The launch of the Short Track World Tour has been a major milestone this season, and we are extremely pleased with how it unfolded. Looking back at this inaugural Tour, it is fantastic to see how it has been embraced by skaters, audiences and partners alike. Now, we look ahead to an even more thrilling season, culminating at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.”

Speed Skating 

Branding inside the venue at the ISU Speed Skating World Championships 2025 in Hamar (NOR) ©ISU

The modernization trend has also begun to take shape in the world of Speed Skating, with the most noticeable change taking place at the ISU World Speed Skating Championships in Hamar (NOR). The event marked the official rollout of the new ISU Speed Skating branding throughout the venue, alongside the debut of dedicated TV graphics on screens. These refreshed identity elements will be further implemented across all ISU Speed Skating events in the upcoming season. 

Branding outside the venue at the ISU Speed Skating World Championships 2025 in Hamar (NOR) ©ISU

Speed Skating fans were also treated to new engaging behind-the-scenes content - particularly on social media - through creative collaborations involving skaters’ entourages. One standout example was the ISU’s partnership with Jake Paul, world-renowned digital influencer and professional boxer, and fiancé of Dutch Speed Skater Jutta Leerdam. The videos captured during the World Championships in Hamar offered unique perspectives into the skater’s life, helping to broaden the sport’s appeal to cross-sport audiences.

Synchronized Skating 

The ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships in Helsinki (FIN) stood out as a major highlight, drawing enthusiastic crowds and generating standout content across digital platforms and the newly launched ISU TV. 

Team Nova Senior (CAN) performing for a packed stadium at the ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships 2025, Helsinki (FIN) ©ISU

This past season, storytelling has brought to the forefront the deeply human and emotional dimension of Synchronized Skating. Through rich backstage content - captivating videos, heartfelt interviews with skaters, coaches, families, and even sport legends - fans were given an intimate glimpse into the reality behind the unparalleled collective performances on ice. The powerful sense of solidarity among teammates, the electric in-venue atmosphere, and the genuine bond between skaters and their audiences were brought vividly to life through innovative coverage approaches. 

Behind the scenes with Les Supreme’s (CAN) Team at the ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships 2025, Helsinki (FIN) ©ISU

ISU joins global efforts to protect glaciers

In January, the ISU announced its support for the 2025 International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, a United Nations (UN) initiative aimed at raising awareness about the vital role of glaciers for the climate system and the urgent need to protect them. This commitment also extends to the UN-proclaimed “World Day for Glaciers”, launched for the first time on March 21^st. 

To mark both occasions, the ISU organized a series of activations during select competitions, engaging and educating skating fans on the critical importance of glaciers, snow, and ice for climate regulation and global freshwater supply.

Michaela Carrot’s Frozen Wonders Wild Ice-Skating Adventure Series, 2025 ©Michaela Carrot

To further amplify the message, the ISU partnered with wild ice skater and environmental advocate Michaela Carrot. Through her project “Frozen Wonders”, a Wild Ice-Skating Adventure Series, Michaela explores remote frozen landscapes on skates - from alpine lakes to glacier caves - capturing their breathtaking beauty while drawing attention to their fragility in the face of climate change.  The first two episodes, filmed in Alaska and Switzerland, are available to watch here. 

These initiatives reflect the ISU’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and align closely with both its Vision 2030 and the ISU Sustainability Strategy 2023–2030. In November 2024, the ISU introduced new Sustainability Guidelines to encourage responsible practices at all ISU events, including measures to reduce environmental impact and promote water conservation (read here). With glacial melt contributing to a 23 cm rise in sea levels since 1990, the urgency of these efforts is clear and pressing. 

ISU Extraordinary Congress: Shaping the future of skating 

The successes of the 2024-25 season follow from the momentum of the 59^th ISU Congress held in June 2024 (read here), where forward-thinking decisions were made to modernize the ISU’s governance and reposition ice-skating sports for a new era - one that embraces evolving viewing habits and engagement trends.

Next on the agenda: a pivotal ISU Extraordinary Congress on July 3, 2025, which will focus on the further modernization and a full revision of the ISU Constitution, aimed at accelerating the sport’s growth and enhancing its adaptability for the future.

ISU President Jae Youl Kim giving a speech about ISU Vision 2030 at the 59^th ISU Congress in Las Vegas (USA) 2024 ©ISU

“Next month marks a historic milestone for us,” said ISU President Jae Youl Kim. “For the first time in our 133-year history, we will convene an Extraordinary Congress to discuss a new constitutional framework – one that strengthens our commitment to good governance and ensures the ISU is well equipped to thrive in today’s fast-changing sports landscape.”

With the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 now firmly in sight, the ISU and the global skating community are gearing up for an even more transformative season ahead – promising bright new opportunities for skaters to shine, unforgettable experiences for fans, and powerful platforms for commercial partners to connect with engaged audiences all over the world.