Story Summary
Negotiations have reportedly started over a new major television-rights agreement for the SHL, despite the league’s existing arrangement with TV4 not expiring until spring 2030.
The current deal, which took effect from the 2024/25 season, has been valued at around SEK 5 billion. Discussions are said to concern a new agreement lasting either five or six years.
SHL clubs currently receive about SEK 50 million each in rights payments under the existing arrangement. Sources indicate that the next deal could remain around that level, or rise slightly, with one source suggesting a possible increase of 10 per cent.
TV4 has held SHL rights since 2007, and the broadcaster is reportedly expected to remain the leading candidate to continue carrying the league.
Key Facts
- The current SHL television agreement with TV4 began in 2024/25 and runs until spring 2030.
- The existing deal has been reported to be worth around SEK 5 billion.
- A new agreement is reportedly being discussed over a term of five or six years.
- SHL clubs currently receive about SEK 50 million each in rights payments.
- Sources expect the next rights deal to be at a similar level or slightly higher, with a possible 10 per cent increase suggested.
- Television-rights income reportedly represents about 28 per cent of SHL clubs’ net turnover overall, rising to 40 per cent for some individual clubs.
- TV4 has held the SHL broadcasting rights since 2007.
IHM Discussion
The early timing of the talks underlines the importance of broadcast income across the SHL. With substantial sums already flowing directly to clubs, the next agreement will be a significant commercial process even though the present contract still has several seasons left to run.
The reported expectation of broadly stable or marginally improved payments is notable. It suggests that maintaining the existing financial base is central to the discussions, rather than any confirmed dramatic change in the value of the rights.
There is also an established continuity behind the negotiations. TV4’s long association with the SHL makes a renewal plausible, but no completed agreement has been announced and the terms remain subject to negotiation.
Why It Matters
Rights payments are a major element of club finances in the SHL. The reported scale of that income means that the structure and value of the next agreement will matter across the league, particularly for clubs for whom television money represents a larger share of turnover.
Mini Q&A
When does the current SHL television agreement end?
The current agreement is due to run until spring 2030.
How much do SHL clubs receive under the present deal?
Clubs currently receive about SEK 50 million each in rights payments.
Has a new deal been completed?
No completed agreement has been announced. Negotiations are reportedly under way over a possible five- or six-year deal.
What Comes Next
The current agreement is due to expire in spring 2030. A tender process has been identified for the league’s media rights from the 2030/31 season, while negotiations over a possible replacement deal continue.