The International Skating Union (ISU) has approved a landmark increase in prize money for athletes and financial contributions for ISU Members, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to investing directly in the future growth of the sport. The decision was approved by delegates at the 60th ISU Ordinary Congress in Tenerife following a proposal presented by ISU President Jae Youl Kim during his report to Members.

The approved measures will see prize money across all skating disciplines more than double over the next two seasons, alongside a significant increase in Member travel contributions, reflecting the ISU's commitment to reinvesting the benefits of its strong financial performance directly back into the sport and its people. 

Under the approved budget, ISU prize money will increase from USD 5.4 million in the 2025/26 season to USD 11.1 million in 2026/27, before reaching USD 12 million in 2027/28, underscoring the organization's ambition to ensure that the success of skating benefits those at the heart of the sport.

"Our athletes are at the heart of everything we do," said ISU President Jae Youl Kim. "This proposal to more than double prize money reflects our commitment to recognizing their achievements and to investing directly in the future of skating. It is also a result of the collective work of our Members, athletes, officials, and partners to strengthen our sport and create new opportunities for growth."

In parallel, travel contributions provided to ISU Members will increase significantly from USD 2.4 million to USD 4.5 million, ensuring federations and athletes around the world continue to have opportunities to compete at the highest level.

Strong Financial Performance Creates New Opportunities

The enhanced support package follows a period of strong financial performance for the ISU. 

Delegates heard how the organization's revised investment strategy, implemented in partnership with Cambridge Associates since 2024, has significantly strengthened the ISU's financial position. Since the transfer of approximately USD 270 million into the new investment structure in September 2024, the portfolio has grown to USD 345 million as of April 2026.

As of today, the strategy has generated more than USD 80 million in additional value, creating new opportunities to invest in athletes, Members, development programs, and the continued long-term growth of skating worldwide.

While welcoming the positive financial results, President Kim emphasized that sustainable growth will require continued efforts to expand skating's global audience, increase commercial revenues, strengthen commercial partnerships, and modernize the sport.

"The work we began under Vision 2030 is far from finished," he said. “Our ambition is to build an athlete-first, Member-friendly, and fan-centric ISU that inspires more skaters and fans around the world. We want to expand our presence across broadcast and digital platforms, create stronger partnerships, and generate even greater opportunities for athletes and Members. Today's decision represents an important milestone in that journey - but it is only the beginning."