The collaboration positions Deloitte as a strategic partner to the ISU, working closely with the federation to strengthen its digital ecosystem and enhance the fan experience. For a sport with a global fanbase estimated at more than 330 million people, the move reflects a growing recognition that digital engagement is no longer an optional add-on, but central to the long-term relevance and commercial sustainability of international sport.

Vision 2030: From Tradition to Transformation

The partnership sits at the heart of the ISU’s Vision 2030 strategy, a long-term transformation programme designed to reshape how skating is governed, presented and consumed. While skating remains deeply rooted in tradition, the ISU is seeking to evolve its formats, platforms and storytelling to better connect with younger, digitally native audiences and emerging markets.

ISU President Jae Youl Kim framed the partnership as a statement of intent for the federation’s future direction:

“Vision 2030 is about transforming how we grow and present our sports. We are delighted that Deloitte will be joining us on that journey – making these sports more dynamic, engaging, and accessible for future generations of fans, while remaining true to our values.”

The challenge for many international federations lies in balancing innovation with heritage. In skating, where artistry, culture and legacy play a defining role, digital transformation must enhance rather than dilute the essence of the sport. The ISU’s approach suggests a growing maturity in how governing bodies view technology not simply as a broadcast tool, but as a strategic enabler of participation, inclusion and global reach.

Building Digital Capability at Scale

Deloitte’s role will focus on providing strategic and technology services to support the ISU’s transformation ambitions, combining local Swiss expertise with global delivery capability. The partnership is expected to address areas such as digital platforms, data-driven fan engagement, content innovation and operational modernisation.

John Tweardy, Deloitte Global Sports Leader, and Bernard Sinnaeve, Deloitte Switzerland Sports Leader, underlined the scale of ambition behind the collaboration:

“Our partnership will focus on providing strategy and technology services to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen fan engagement, combining local expertise with global delivery. Our goal is to help the ISU build for the future.”

The timing is significant. With more than 400 athletes from 41 countries competing in Milan, the Olympic spotlight offers the ISU a unique opportunity to amplify its digital evolution on a global stage. The opening of the ‘Home of Skating’ further signals a broader institutional shift towards innovation, brand building and year-round engagement beyond competition cycles.

A Blueprint for Federations in Transition

While the ISU-Deloitte partnership is framed around digital transformation, it also reflects a wider trend across international sport: federations moving from traditional, event-led models towards more platform-driven, data-informed organisations. As rights holders face increasing competition for attention in crowded digital ecosystems, the ability to translate on-ice performance into compelling, year-round digital experiences is fast becoming a strategic differentiator.

For the ISU, Vision 2030 represents more than a technology upgrade. It is an attempt to future-proof skating’s place in a rapidly changing sports economy—where digital infrastructure, fan connection and organisational capability will increasingly define which sports thrive, and which struggle to keep pace.