The World Ski Championships in Falun begin on February 24 and will be the big sporting event of the winter. But the International Ski Federation, FIS, has not yet sold the television rights to any broadcaster in Sweden.
This means a financial setback for the organisers, who find it difficult to attract sponsors without a clear television agreement. It also creates practical problems as the Swedish broadcaster takes care of the international production, a major technical undertaking.
But an announcement is delayed. SVT CEO Anne Lagercrantz is tight-lipped about how the negotiations are going.
I can only say that this is a great right. And I hope it is resolved soon.
Does SVT still have hopes of broadcasting the Ski World Championships?
I can't say anything more than that the World Ski Championships on home soil is a fantastic experience.
The International Ski Federation, FIS, is selling the rights via an external media company. The Swedish Ski Association's general secretary, Pernilla Bonde, recently criticised the handling of the sale and the fact that it has taken too long. No one in Norway has bought the TV rights to the World Cup either.
But Anne Lagercrantz does not want to say whether it is precisely the fact that the rights are being sold at an international level that is delaying an agreement.
I can't say anything other than that it's clear that this has to be done soon. This is a big event. And it's September. I also think that an announcement is urgent.
Date: February 24–March 7, 2027.
Location: Lugnet Arena, Falun.
Sports: Cross-country skiing, ski jumping and Nordic combined.
What do you think?