LTV said in a release it has signed a contract with rights holder Infront Sports Media AG, obtaining exclusive broadcasting rights in Latvia for the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships until 2028. However, the price paid was not specified.
LSM did ask LTV about the price tag but we were told the agreement signed specified that "we may not disclose this type of information, as it contains a commercial secret."
Ivars Priede, the Chairman of the LTV board, said: “In its role as a public service broadcaster, Latvian Television is committed to delivering essential national events to the public through free broadcasting. Ensuring that the public can follow the success of the Latvian national ice hockey team over the next five years and experience the pulse of global sport is of utmost importance."
Viewers will have the chance to tune in to live coverage of all World Championship games, plus the usual discussion shows and behind-the-scenes footage related to the games.
“The IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship is significant pull for the entire Latvian Television team. Its allure, coupled with the significant presence of hockey will provide an excellent opportunity to create and deliver modern content at the highest level to the audience, including the development of diversity in social media content," said Andris Ušackis, the head of LTV Sports editorial team.
The 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship is scheduled to take place from May 10 to May 26 in the Czech Republic, in the cities of Prague and Ostrava.
This year, Group A games will be held in Prague, featuring teams from Canada, Finland, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Denmark, Norway, Austria, and the United Kingdom. Group B games will be held in Ostrava, with the participation of the United States, Germany, Sweden, Slovakia, Latvia, France, Kazakhstan, and Poland.
Latvia will play its first game on May 11 against Poland.
