An ABU Perspective: Safeguarding the Future of Sports Broadcasting

The crowds have faded. The final whistle has blown. But what protects the value of sport long after the moment passes?

As the global community marked World Intellectual Property Day on 26 April, the focus turned to this year's theme, "IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate," a timely reminder that behind every broadcast, highlight, and headline lies a system that safeguards its worth.

Sport has long served as a powerful unifying force across the Asia-Pacific, bringing together audiences, cultures, and generations. Today, it also stands as one of the most dynamic arenas for innovation in media and broadcasting, with intellectual property at the centre of this transformation.

IP rights provide the foundation that enables broadcasters and creators to produce and share high-quality sports content. They protect the value of live coverage, commentary, archives, and digital assets, ensuring that creativity and innovation are recognised and sustained. International frameworks, including the Nairobi Treaty on the Protection of the Olympic Symbol, as well as ongoing discussions at World Intellectual Property Organization on safeguarding broadcasting signals, reflect the growing need to strengthen protection in an increasingly digital and borderless environment.

In this context, the ABU continues to advocate for stronger intellectual property protection for sports broadcasts. Working closely with Members and international partners, the Union emphasises the importance of safeguarding broadcast rights, supporting content sustainability, and enabling continued innovation across the industry.

At the same time, rapid advancements in production technologies, data-driven storytelling, and multi-platform distribution are reshaping how sports content is created and consumed. These developments are made possible through robust and effective IP frameworks.

For the ABU and its Members, this presents both opportunity and responsibility. Strengthening awareness of IP, supporting fair and sustainable rights management, and encouraging innovation remain key priorities. As the industry evolves, the link between IP and sports will only grow stronger. By protecting intellectual property, we ensure that innovation continues to thrive while inspiring audiences across the region and beyond.