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”.  

Overview of key decisions:

Event Hosting Model: Transparent criteria-based Bidding and Strategic Allocation

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: 

• Operational Capability
   Assessment of venue suitability, technical delivery capacity, and the Member’s ability to meet ISU operational standards.
• Commercial Opportunity
   Market strength, revenue potential, ticketing viability, and alignment with ISU’s centralized commercial model.
• Sport Growth Opportunity
   Contribution to discipline development, audience expansion, and alignment with broader strategic objectives.
• Federation Readiness
   Organizational capacity, financial reliability, administrative systems, and historic performance in event delivery.

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:

• ISU Figure Skating Junior World Championships:Lithuania
• ISU Figure Skating European Championships:Sweden
• ISU Figure Skating Four Continents Championships:Korea

Short Track:

• ISU Short Track World Tour:Canada, Poland, Netherlands, China
• ISU Short Track Junior World Championships:Canada

Speed Skating:

• ISU Speed Skating World Cups:China, Kazakhstan, Canada, USA, Norway, Netherlands
• ISU Speed Skating European Championships: Poland
• ISU Speed Skating Allround & Sprint World Championships:Netherlands
• ISU Speed Skating Junior World Championships: USA

Synchronized Skating:

• ISU Synchronized Skating Junior World Championships: Finland

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.

ISU Centers of Excellence: Continuity and Strategic Development

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: 

• Eissportzentrum, Oberstdorf (GER) 
• IceLab, Bergamo (ITA)
• Ice Jar, Beijing (CHN)
• IWIS Training Center, Bangkok (THA) 
• Skating School of Switzerland, Champéry (SUI)

Speed Skating Branch: 

• Heerenveen (NED)
• Olympic Oval, Calgary (CAN)
• Utah Olympic Oval, Salt Lake City (USA) 
• Ice Ribbon, Beijing (CHN)

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: New “Synchro 9” Category and Rules Changes

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:

• Teams composed of 12 to 16 skaters will now be eligible to compete at ISU Championships, opening the door to broader participation and more competitive fields.
• Teams from organizing ISU Members will receive automatic entry without the requirement to achieve minimum combined total element scores, creating new opportunities for local involvement, increased audience engagement, and enhanced event visibility.

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.

Event Relocations: Supporting Member Federation Requests

Further to a request from the Kazakhstan Skating Union, the Council approved the relocation of two Short Track Junior events in 2026/27:

• ISU Short Track World Junior Championships 2027
• ISU Junior World Cup Short Track #3 (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. 

Elections: Council, Technical Committees (TCs), Audit, Risk & Investment Committee (AR&I), Disciplinary Commission (DC), Skating Integrity Unit (IU)

Athletes Committee Elections (AC)

Please refer to ISU Communication 2759 for further details.