The International Skating Union (ISU) has launched a competitive tender process to identify visionary and dynamic partners to join a game-changing opportunity: drive the global commercial exploitation of ISU competition rights through a first-of-its-kind integrated approach to broadcasting, sponsorship and licensing.

A Legacy of Ongoing Innovation 

With 134 years of history, the ISU stands as one of the oldest international sports federations recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). While rooted in tradition, innovation runs through our DNA - milestones have shaped skating for over a century and have accelerated dramatically with the launch of the ISU Vision 2030 - a bold strategic roadmap transforming skating across every dimension.

Today, Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Short Track and Synchronised Skating reach a combined following of an estimated 330 million fans - a testament to the sport’s thrilling quality and widespread appeal.

A New Era: Unified Media and Sponsorship Rights Offering

For the first time ever, the ISU is bringing its commercial and media rights to market as one powerful, integrated proposition – unlocking new value and creating unprecedented possibilities for partners.

This milestone tender process is a key step in advancing the ISU’s global commercial strategy under ISU Vision 2030, positioning skating for long-term sustainable growth and expanding its reach across a fast-evolving media and sponsorship landscape. 

ISU Director General Colin Smith said: “This is an exciting stage of skating’s transformation and represents a unique opportunity for the ISU and potential partners. Through this process, we are looking to collaborate with agencies equally inspired by our ambition to optimize media rights, revamping sponsorship and partnership programmes and strengthen licensing and merchandizing activities. Together, this work will be a crucial component to elevate skating for the benefit of everyone involved in our sport.”

Driving Innovation Through Transformation

Over the past two years, the ISU has made significant strides in modernizing the sports, events and governance at all levels – with athlete development being at the core of every initiative. It includes enhanced in-venue and on-screen event experiences, revamped broadcast presentations, tailored geo-localized digital strategies, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies to strengthen broadcast products and better support athletes and the wider skating community.

The Next Chapter Starts Now

The history of skating is still being written. New chapters are unfolding.

This tender marks the next bold chapter in the ISU’s transformation journey, opening the door for strategic partners to join in expanding skating’s global reach and shaping the future of a sport with a rich past but with an exciting story still to be written. 

What We Are Looking For 

The selected partner(s) will be expected to amplify the visibility and excitement of ISU competitions and events worldwide. Through forward-thinking strategies that embrace dynamic media, sponsorship, and licensing environments, the goal will be to balance revenue generation with audience growth - ensuring the continued development of skating on a global scale.

How to Get Involved? 

Step 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)

Agencies wishing to receive further information and documentation are invited to submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) by 18:00 (CEST) on March 26, 2026 to: isurfp@isu.org

Step 2: Request for Proposal (RFP)

Selected agencies will be invited to submit full proposals by no later than 18:00 (CEST) on May 6, 2026.

Be part of history-making - join the ISU in shaping the future of skating!