Back to Press release
PRESS RELEASE

Eurovision Sport confirms six-year partnership with Austrian Ski

22 January 2020
Eurovision Sport confirms six-year partnership with Austrian Ski
Crédit: Tirolfoto

Eurovision Sport and the Austrian Ski Association (ÖSV) have confirmed their media rights partnership will be extended until 2024, bringing these prestigious winter events to audiences across Europe free-to-air.

The deal covers the exclusive broadcasting rights in Europe (outside of Austria) to all FIS Skiing World Cups taking place in Austria. This includes the major alpine events in Kitzbühel (including the Hahnenkamm downhill) and Schladming, plus, the very best of ski jumping from the last two events of the prestigious Four Hills tournament, in Innsbruck and Bischofshofen. 

Overall there are more than 30 World Cup races each season across the disciplines of alpine, ski jumping, nordic combined, snowboard and freestyle.

Eurovision Sport, a division of the EBU, has continued to see audiences for the races grow with 20 broadcasting partners covering this year’s competitions. Kitzbühel, for example, has had an average live market share of 25.6% on public service media over the last 10 years – growing from 20.8% in 2009 to 30.9% in 2019.

The scope of the media rights has expanded beyond traditional areas to now include more digital and immersive exploitation including an exciting winter sport fantasy game, launched last month, with a unique ‘direct to fan’ experience.

Eurovision Sport Executive Director Stefan Kürten said: “This agreement, together with our existing deals with Swiss Ski and the IBU, means European audiences are able to enjoy the number one winter sports events through our excellent partnerships free-to-all.

Eurovision Head of Winter Sport Robert Portman added: “We guarantee the widest possible exposure for our Federations, including in the important Nordic region, and continue to help sport reach new audiences with innovative digital solutions on all platforms.”

Peter Schröcksnadel, ÖSV President, underlined how the long-term cooperation has proved to be successful for both partners: "Its prolongation ensures the widespread distribution of high quality Austrian events across Europe on free channels, a priority for ÖSV."

Relevant links and documents

Contact


Claire Rainford

Head of Corporate Communications

rainford@ebu.ch