Austria: modified TV rights distribution from 2018-19 (top division increases from 10 to 12 clubs)

The clubs of the Tipico Bundesliga have accepted a new method of distribution of TV rights from the 2018-19 season, said the Austrian League (Österreichische Fußball-Bundesliga) on 07/04/2017. "The principle of solidarity is retained with 30% distributed equally, and the criterion for the use of young Austrian players increased to 20%. There are also new criteria which provide performance incentive for all clubs and every phase of the championship - every point, every spectator counts, no matter what game (except the play-offs)," said the Austrian League.

At the same time, in 2018-19 the Austrian top division will increase from 10 to 12 clubs, with a second semi-professional division, which will go from 10 to 16 clubs.

The current distribution method, valid for the 2013-2018 period (see below), only redistributes 17% of TV rights according to sporting performance and attendance. The shares redistributed equally and which provide for the use of young Austrian players are both currently 41%.

The Austrian League has also set up "parachute payments" from 2018-19, or fixed aid to clubs…