A landmark agreement for Finnish hockey
MTV, Finland’s leading commercial pay‑television channel, has secured the broadcast rights to the nation’s top‑tier domestic ice‑hockey competitions through the 2031‑32 season. The five‑year extension, negotiated by the Commercial Sports Media (CSM) agency, will commence with the 2027‑28 campaign, guaranteeing uninterrupted coverage of the elite leagues.
Under the new arrangement, the two highest divisions of Finnish ice‑hockey will be shown exclusively on MTV until at least mid‑2032. For the first time, promotion and relegation will be introduced into the upper echelons of the sport, adding a competitive edge that promises to heighten drama for fans across the country.
Voices of satisfaction
Liiga’s chief executive, Mikko Pulkkinen, praised CSM’s professionalism and market expertise, emphasizing that the partnership provides the league with the stability required for long‑term growth. “CSM’s deep industry knowledge has been instrumental in shaping a sustainable future for Finnish hockey,” Pulkkinen said.
Anders Wistrand, co‑founder of CSM, echoed the sentiment, noting that the agreement not only secures a valuable broadcasting platform but also reinforces the structural reforms that will strengthen the sport’s foundation. He highlighted the deal’s significance for the league’s stability and its broader development trajectory.
The agreement builds on CSM’s role as the exclusive media‑rights advisory partner of Liiga since the 2017‑18 season. The most recent 2025‑26 Liiga campaign, featuring a 16‑team roster, kicked off in September and concluded in May, with Tappara clinching the championship in a thrilling playoff final. This new deal ensures that the league’s top competitions will remain a cornerstone of MTV’s sports programming through the next decade.