The IBU is now in a period of exclusive talks with the EBU, which has made an offer of about €45 million, a 60-per-cent rise on what it pays now. The new deal will cover the worldwide rights for the annual World Cup and World Championship events from the 2010-11 to 2013-14 seasons.
The EBU, and German public-service broadcaster ZDF in particular, have enjoyed a strong relationship with the union and 10 years ago played a key role in revamping the sport to make it more television friendly.
Sportfive are understood to have offered €55 million over the period. German commercial broadcaster RTL also had talks with the IBU about the worldwide rights but did not submit a bid.
For more details see the forthcoming issue of TV Sports Markets.