Viaplay has solidified its position as a dominant force in sports broadcasting by securing a slew of long-term rights agreements, encompassing winter sports, handball, and football. The streaming giant has extended its partnership with the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) until 2030, retaining the rights to broadcast World Cup competitions across a wide range of disciplines, including cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, ski jumping, Nordic combined, freestyle skiing, freeskiing, and snowboarding. This extension builds upon Viaplay’s existing agreement, which commenced in 2021, transferring the rights from the Swedish public broadcaster, SVT. This move further cements Viaplay’s comprehensive winter sports portfolio, leaving only biathlon as a major skiing event still broadcast by SVT. Viaplay’s sport chief, Erik Westberg, expressed enthusiasm for the continued collaboration, emphasizing the platform’s commitment to providing viewers with immersive coverage and insightful perspectives on the captivating world of winter sports. He highlighted the enduring popularity of these sports in Sweden, reaffirming their status as beloved national pastimes.
This extended partnership with FIS underscores Viaplay’s dedication to offering a diverse range of premium sports content to its subscribers. By securing the rights until 2030, Viaplay ensures long-term access to some of the most prestigious winter sports competitions globally. This move reinforces their strategic focus on acquiring and retaining high-value sports properties, further strengthening their competitive position in the Nordic media landscape. Viaplay’s investment in winter sports broadcasting demonstrates their recognition of the significant audience appeal and commercial viability of these events. With a comprehensive coverage strategy, encompassing both live broadcasts and supplementary programming, Viaplay aims to cater to the diverse interests of winter sports enthusiasts, providing a compelling viewing experience for audiences across all demographics.
Beyond the winter sports arena, Viaplay has also bolstered its handball offering by securing the television rights to the Men’s European Handball Championship for both 2028 and 2030. This acquisition complements their existing rights to broadcast the Champions League and European League in handball, also extending until 2030. These acquisitions underscore Viaplay’s commitment to providing comprehensive coverage of handball, a sport with a significant following in many European countries. By securing these long-term rights, Viaplay establishes itself as a primary destination for handball fans, offering access to top-tier club and national team competitions. This move further diversifies Viaplay’s sports portfolio, broadening its appeal to a wider audience and strengthening its market position.
Furthermore, Viaplay has expanded its football offerings by acquiring the rights to broadcast the French top-tier football league, Ligue 1, beginning this weekend. This agreement, valid until 2029, adds another prestigious football league to Viaplay’s already extensive catalogue, further solidifying its position as a leading provider of football content. Ligue 1, featuring some of the world’s most renowned clubs and players, is expected to attract a significant viewership for Viaplay, further enhancing its platform’s appeal to football enthusiasts. This acquisition strategically positions Viaplay within the competitive landscape of football broadcasting, providing access to high-profile matches and strengthening its overall content proposition.
These strategic acquisitions demonstrate Viaplay’s proactive approach to content acquisition and its ambition to secure a dominant position in the sports streaming market. The long-term nature of these agreements signals a commitment to building a sustainable and robust sports offering, catering to the diverse interests of sports fans across multiple disciplines. By securing rights to premium sports properties, Viaplay seeks to attract and retain subscribers, driving growth and strengthening its competitive advantage in the ever-evolving media landscape. The combined impact of these acquisitions positions Viaplay as a major player in sports broadcasting, offering a compelling and comprehensive portfolio of content across winter sports, handball, and football.
In conclusion, Viaplay’s recent flurry of rights acquisitions highlights its aggressive expansion strategy and reinforces its commitment to providing a comprehensive and diverse sports offering to its subscribers. From winter sports to handball and football, Viaplay continues to solidify its position as a leading sports broadcasting platform, aiming to cater to a wide range of sports enthusiasts. The long-term nature of these agreements underscores Viaplay’s confidence in the continued growth and popularity of these sports, positioning the platform for sustained success in the dynamic and competitive world of sports broadcasting. By investing in premium sports properties and securing long-term rights, Viaplay aims to attract and retain a loyal subscriber base, driving growth and establishing itself as a premier destination for sports fans.