The Council of the International Skating Union (ISU) approved on October 3 a package of measures with direct economic impact on athletes, as part of its Vision 2030 strategy. The online meeting addressed performance-based incentives, new sponsorship rules for uniforms, allocation of development funds, athlete safeguarding and changes in governance. All these decisions aim to reinforce the link between the ISU and skaters as central stakeholders.

The ISU stated that these new opportunities could strengthen the budgets of some athletes, particularly through increased commercial sponsorship, at a time when ice sports compete for visibility and funding. The federation also underlined that these changes seek to “strengthen the role of athletes at the heart of the organization” in the run-up to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

Bonuses for world records

Starting in the 2025/26 season, long track speed skaters and short track skaters who set a world record will receive a financial reward. The incentive will amount to USD 5,000 in individual events, while team competitions —such as team pursuit or relays— will be awarded between USD 10,000 and 20,000 per team, to be shared among members.

Although the statement does not provide specific figures for the junior category, it confirms that prizes will also be allocated in that division. Until now, athletes earned prize money based on placements in World Cups and championships, but there was no specific reward for breaking records. The ISU announced it will present a proposal to further increase the prize money system at its 2026 Congress.

Greater flexibility as a source of income

The easing of logo restrictions also applies exclusively to long track speed skating and short track. The limit on the number of commercial marks on competition suits will be removed, leaving only a maximum total surface area. In short track, this authorized surface will increase to 750 square centimeters starting in the 2026/27 season.

This change could allow athletes to negotiate sponsorship agreements with local or national brands, provided there is commercial demand, as they will have more usable space on their uniforms. The ISU emphasized, however, that International Olympic Committee (IOC) rules will continue to apply at the Winter Games, where stricter limitations remain in force.

Development funds and athlete support programs

The Council approved more than USD 3.75 million to support the development of ISU members during the 2025/26 season, of which USD 700,000 is earmarked specifically for athlete safeguarding initiatives. These include the continuation of the pilot program for social media moderation to prevent online harassment, covering between 30 and 40 athletes with real-time moderation and up to 80 athletes with daily monitoring.

An additional USD 85,000 was also allocated to skaters from Ukraine who are training outside their country. The ISU highlighted that these measures complement existing health, protection and well-being programs, such as the introduction of “Calm Zones” at international competitions.

Historical junior prizes

The decision to extend prize money to the junior category builds on precedents in which the ISU had already allocated resources to that division. In the 2010/11 season, the ISU Junior Grand Prix distributed USD 22,500 in prizes during the regular events and reached a total of USD 105,000 in the final. These precedents place the new initiative within a broader path toward more ambitious incentives.