Telia becomes new SM-Liiga rights partner

Finnish telecommunications company Telia has acquired rights to the SM-Liiga, the top division of ice hockey in Finland.

Telia will hold rights for the six-year period covering the 2018-19 to 2023-24 seasons and will broadcast all league matches.

The league said the partnership would also focus on the development of the viewing experience for supporters.

From the 2018-19 season, viewers will be able to choose the amount of games they pay for, with offers such as single-day passes to be introduced by Telia.

The league had been seeking a new rights partner after media group Sanoma last week announced that its commercial and pay-television broadcaster, Nelonen, would not be extending its contract.

Nelonen is the Liiga’s current rights-holder under an exclusive five-season domestic rights deal, from 2013-14 to 2017-18, struck in June 2012.

The Liiga consists of 15 professional clubs and is considered one of the best leagues in the world.