twelfth December 2024
The Worldwide Ski & Snowboard Federation, FIS, has rejected a $420m proposal from CVC Capital Companions. Practically 60 athletes, executives & FIS council members have urged a re-think. NEW
The corporate has invested in Method 1, soccer groups, rugby squads and ladies’s tennis – it was after a 20% shareholding within the industrial rights of snow sports activities.
The proposal included plans to centralise industrial and media rights, enhance athlete branding and enhance prize cash.
FIS responded saying it was “very nicely capitalized and has no present want for additional funding to assist to ship its strategic plans.”
Practically 60 athletes, executives and FIS council members have urged FIS President Johan Eliasch to rethink.
The record included Olympic Alpine snowboarding medalists corresponding to Mikaela Shiffrin, Lara Intestine-Behrami, Marco Odermatt, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde and Sofia Goggia,.
The Olympic freeski slopestyle champion Alex Corridor and snowboarder Maddie Mastro additionally signed the letter.
Mikaela Shiffrin has shared the letter on social media:
.@fisalpine pic.twitter.com/D9DBYnC1w7
— Mikaela Shiffrin ⛷️ (@MikaelaShiffrin) December 11, 2024
See right here for extra on the story from ABC Information
Additionally on the record was US Ski & Snowboard CEO Sophie Goldschmidt together with council members from Canada, Germany, Norway, Spain, Switzerland and Austria.
“We disagree that most of the duties outlined within the CVC proposal have been accomplished as a part of the FIS world technique,” learn the athletes/executives letter.
“Whereas there have been enhancements within the digital space, there was a notable lack of progress in most industrial, advertising and marketing and product growth areas which can be important to develop our sports activities.
“This consists of rising prize cash and different enhancements for athletes, which we all know is changing into extra of a problem for them, particularly for sure disciplines.”
The athletes and executives who signed their names to the letter addressed to Eliasch need to see extra conversations happen.
They need extra transparency in negotiations
FIS has responded saying “The letter steered that FIS dismissed a compelling provide from CVC for the media rights of ski and snowboard competitions with out correct consideration as a result of centralization technique of worldwide broadcast and media rights with Infront.
“This declare is fake.”
It continued that “If elevating capital turns into vital, FIS would have interaction a monetary advisor to conduct a clear course of, guaranteeing the very best phrases.”
“At the moment, FIS is well-capitalised and doesn’t require extra funding to execute its strategic plan.”
The controversy highlights tensions inside FIS because it tries to steadiness custom with the industrial growth of snow sports activities.
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