“Athletes are left feeling frustrated by the stagnation of progress” - Mikaela Shiffrin criticizes FIS over impending centralized media deal

Mikaela Shiffrin is the winningest skier of all time and she recently criticized FIS, the sport's international federation, over their handling of an impending media rights centralization deal. The American penned a lengthy note about the same, making her opinion on the matter clear.

The FIS does not currently have a centralized media deal, which means that in different countries, different media brands hold broadcast rights for the same events. However, the federation is now looking to rectify that, and in July 2023, agreed to give Infront the centralized media rights for eight seasons starting from the 2026-2027 season.

As the deal for centralization draws closer, top athletes like Mikaela Shiffrin are asking FIS to consider other options on the table, namely a deal with CVC, who reportedly plans to invest more than €400 million in the sport. Taking to X Shiffrin penned a lengthy note addressing the FIS, writing,

“On Monday, 9th December, several leading Alpine athletes participated in a call with representatives from CVC to learn about their intentions and vision concerning a potential €400 million investment in FIS. As the deadline for the centralization of the current Infront agreement draws near - a deal whose details remain unclear to many within the FIS Council and the NSA's - we strongly advocate for a comprehensive evaluation of the opportunity presented by CVC. This moment is too consequential for the future of FIS and our sport to be rushed into a renewed agreement without fully exploring all alternatives.”

She went on to add that athletes deserved ‘openness’ from the FIS, writing,

“The transparency extended by certain relevant parties throughout this process has been exemplary, and we firmly believe that the athletes and stakeholders of this sport deserve equivalent openness and clarity from the international governing body that represents us. What was once a commitment from the President to enhance conditions for all athletes has instead culminated in a scenario where athletes are left feeling frustrated by the stagnation of progress and the diminished presence of their voices in key decisions.”

Mikaela Shiffrin concluded her note by reiterating the need for transparency.

“We don't pretend to know everything. We are simply asking for more transparency and better consideration of our voices and the offers on the table that impact the future of our sport.”

According to ESPN, outside of Shiffrin, nearly 60 athletes, executives, and FIS council sent a letter to the FIS asking for a reconsideration of their position on CVC’s proposal. The list of signees included Lara Gut-Behrami, Marco Odermatt, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, and Sofia Goggia, along with Olympic freeski slopestyle champion Alex Hall and snowboarder Maddie Mastro.

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Mikaela Shiffrin provides injury update post scary crash in Killington

Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup - Women's Giant Slalom - Source: Getty

On the skiing end of things, Mikaela Shiffrin has experienced a season full of ups and downs so far. After a lukewarm opening race, she quickly got back to her top form, winning her 98th and 99th World Cup races in Levi and Gurgl. However, as the American gunned for her 100th win on home ground, she suffered a nasty crash, leading to deep puncture wounds.

After the crash, the skier pulled out of the race at Killington and hasn't yet announced when she will be back for the remainder of the 2024-2025 season. However, Shiffrin recently gave fans a small, positive update about her recovery, sharing a video of herself going for a walk. In the video, the 29-year-old revealed that she has gotten a wound vacuum which she named ‘Allen’ to help the wound heal.

Due to her injury, Mikaela Shiffrin is probably set to miss the next handful of World Cup races. However, the American will likely focus on claiming her 100th win this season, which will make her the first skier in history to achieve this feat.