FIS makes major announcement. How would it affect international xcskiing

FIS makes major announcement. How would it affect international xcskiing

Leaders, Money & Finance
FIS knows its business well - it has decided to make a major announcement about the future right in the middle of summer holidays, when the interest in snow sports is at a minimum and most of the reporters/ analysts are on holiday   Enjoy, relax, we've got you covered - and shall explain the significance of the moment.   From FIS press release: International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) and Infront have agreed terms for an exclusive agency agreement for the distribution of the international media rights to FIS World Cup events for all platforms starting in the 2026/27 season and covering eight seasons until and including 2033/34.   Until and including the 2025/26 season, Infront will continue to implement the existing collective media rights distribution approach based on…
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Norway  puts its economic might on display in Planica to dismay of other nations

Norway puts its economic might on display in Planica to dismay of other nations

Leaders, Money & Finance
"...at the entrance to the ( Planica ski) stadium, the Norwegian Skiing Association has left its mark on the arena by parking a large trailer that will delight the association's VIP guests during the championship…" Have to give a credit to Nettavisen & the rest of the Norwegian media: they didn't skip on the most interesting story of the world championships so far.   The reaction of the rest of the xcski world was pretty much summed up by the Slovenian xcski legend  Petra Majdic:    " What the hell is Norway doing? Does Norway need to make smaller ski nations even smaller? Fair enough that they can afford to pay 6,000 euros to park here for their sponsors, but the cross-country skiing needs now more than ever that there…
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How much does it actually cost to prepare an Olympic champion? We talk to the man in the know

How much does it actually cost to prepare an Olympic champion? We talk to the man in the know

Money & Finance, Newsfeed
Markus Cramer needs no introduction. A "doyen du corps" of the international cross country skiing coaches " guild", the German specialist had a great career spanning decades with different national teams, Olympic gold medals under his belt and is currently at his 6th Winter Olympic Games. Who would be better placed to talk about the simple yet complicated for many question: How much does it cost to prepare an athlete who has a chance to win medal at the Olympics? "... Ah, it depends on many, many factors, of course, smiles Marcus, - but if you want to be serious and count everything - a minimum 150.000 euros needs to be budgeted. Per person, per season. To win, to have a realistic chance at the Olympic gold, an athlete absolutely…
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Les Rousses World Cup stage cancelled – organisers admit it could have been held, but …too much trouble. And who are we to blame them?

Les Rousses World Cup stage cancelled – organisers admit it could have been held, but …too much trouble. And who are we to blame them?

Money & Finance, Newsfeed
The Les Rousses World Cup scheduled for January 14 to 16 is canceled It's the first time in the " Covid era" when the major event is not cancelled on the direct order from local health authorities - but because, you know, things don't quite add up, the troubles outweigh the gains. The organizers of would-be Les Rousses stage are quite blunt: "...The presence of spectators would entail the implementation of substantial technical and human resources to ensure the health security ...In addition to the concern for the health of the teams on the eve of an event not to be missed, Jura Ski Events also fears the financial consequences...” It's not a secret that financials of the most FIS World Cup stages were iffy even in those blessed pre-Covid…
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Move over, NRK, SVT etc.  – new broadcaster steps in

Move over, NRK, SVT etc. – new broadcaster steps in

Money & Finance, Newsfeed
It was a big weekend. For the first time ever in this part of the galaxy the public channels of Norway and Sweden did not show the FIS World Cup races to their viewers. Just to remind you how chess pieces are set now: Pan-Scandinavian Nordic Entertainment Group a.k.a NENT acquired broadcasting rights in three key markets - aforementioned Norway and Sweden plus Finland - and have started on the weekend to broadcast the races on Viaplay platform as well as on television channels it owns: In Norway - for free on TV3 In Sweden you gotta pay to watch Frida and Ebba on TV6, it's no longer free. In Finland there is a transitional deal in place according to which public YLE still shows some races e.g. Ruka this…
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