The deal will see MTG broadcast exclusive coverage of the IIHF World Championship through until 2006 on its Viasat subsidiary which owns free-to-air and pay-TV channels in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Lativa, Estonia and Lithuania. The contract also includes the rights to IIHF World Championship Division 1 until 2007.
The rights agreement ensures the continued presence of the IIHF Championship on the TV3, 3+ and Viasat Sport networks across Scandinavia and the Baltic countries, regions where ice hockey has a significant following. MTG has held the rights to the property for the last 12 years.
Oscar Frei, CEO of KirchSport - the exclusive TV and marketing partner to the IIHF - said: "The IIHF is fortunate in its excellent long-term relationships with broadcasters and this extension of the long-term contract with Viasat is very good news for the sport, as it will provide stability for the fans and help towards our aim of continuing to expand the fan base."
The new deal shows that KirchSport is pressing on with its business regardless of the continuing question mark over its future ownership which has seen its parent company KirchMedia undergoing a sale of its assets following bankruptcy.
KirchSport has negotiated a renewal deal with pan-Scandinavian broadcaster the Modern Times Group (MTG) for the television rights to the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championship.
