The International Skating Union (ISU) governing body has begun a tender process aimed at selecting a partner agency or agencies to help it exploit both its commercial and broadcast rights.

The ss-based ISU has unveiled this process today, stating that it comes with the body "bringing its commercial and media rights to market as one powerful, integrated proposition," for the first time.

This is being carried out as part of the ISU's overall commercial growth strategy for the next few years, as laid out in its Vision 2030 plan.

The aim of bringing these rights together, the body has claimed, is to "balance revenue generation with audience growth."

Agencies have until 18:00 Central European Time on March 26 to submit an expression of interest, and should send the relevant documentation to isurfp@isu.org.

Shortlisted agencies will then be selected to submit a full proposal, with these to be sent through no later than 18:00 CET on May 6.

The ISU has said it is looking for a partner or partners with forward-thinking strategies that "embrace dynamic media, sponsorship, and licensing environments."

Colin Smith, the union's director, explained: "Through this process, we are looking to collaborate with agencies equally inspired by our ambition to optimize media rights, revamping sponsorship and partnership programmes and strengthen licensing and merchandizing activities. Together, this work will be a crucial component to elevate skating for the benefit of everyone involved in our sport.”

The ISU’s Vision 2030 strategy aims to grow skating globally through innovation and increase engagement with a fan base claimed to be around 330 million.

Last month, the ISU announced a strategic partnership with professional services firm Deloitte.

Through the collaboration, Deloitte is now acting as ISU’s strategic partner, working alongside the federation to “strengthen its digital ecosystem and enhance fan experience.”