The International Ski and Snowboard Federation – FIS has approved a prize money increase of up to 20% for World Cup events across all disciplines, including cross-country skiing, starting in the 2025/2026 season.

The decision was made during the recent FIS Council meeting, where members discussed ways to sustainably enhance financial rewards for athletes competing at the highest level. A 10% prize money increase will be guaranteed by FIS, with an additional 10% available on a voluntary basis from each Local Organizing Committee (LOC).

According to FIS, the move aims to support athletes more effectively and contribute to the long-term growth and sustainability of the sport.

“It is clear that we still have a lot to do when it comes to rewarding our athletes as they deserve. This is an important step, but only another one in a long way ahead,” said FIS President Johan Eliasch in a press release.

Continued efforts toward fairer athlete compensation

This is not the first time FIS has addressed the issue of prize money. In 2022, the organization implemented a 10% increase across all disciplines, including cross-country skiing, with the goal of improving athlete conditions and creating more balanced opportunities.

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While cross-country skiing does not offer the same financial rewards as some other sports, the latest decision shows a continued commitment to improving athlete compensation in endurance-based sports.

In recent seasons, prize money in cross-country skiing has remained modest, especially for athletes outside the top 10. The new measure could provide much-needed support for emerging talents and skiers who rely on race earnings to fund their careers.

Read More: 2024/2025 World Cup Prize Money – Final Standings after Lahti

Implications for cross-country skiers

If fully implemented, including contributions from LOCs, the 20% increase could significantly boost the total purse distributed at each World Cup weekend. This is especially important in a sport where travel costs, training expenses, and long seasons can strain athletes’ budgets.

Although it remains to be seen how many organizers will commit to the voluntary portion of the increase, the guaranteed 10% rise already marks a positive step forward.

FIS’s decision comes at a time when financial sustainability is a significant concern for many athletes, particularly in endurance sports such as cross-country skiing. Ensuring that prize money keeps pace with the growing professionalism of the sport is critical to its future.

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