TO BE PUBLISHED July 2025
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Format: DOWNLOADABLE PDF
This conference will discuss key issues for the future of sports broadcasting in the UK.
It will bring stakeholders and policymakers together to assess the evolving landscape and future for UK sports broadcasting, looking particularly at rights and implications for fans, the sports sector and the media industry of increased competition between traditional broadcasters and OTT providers.
We expect discussion to bring our latest thinking on how policy, regulation and sector practice might need to respond to challenges faced by public service broadcasters competing in these markets, in the context of changing consumer habits and disparities in funding and buying power in a highly dynamic market. It also takes place amidst issues relating to the impact on public access to sports broadcasts of growing costs and the fragmentation of rights, alongside implications for grassroots sport across the UK.
Further discussion is expected on the design and implementation of changes to the listed events regime, and key issues emerging from Ofcom’s consultation on implementation of the Media Act 2024, with a further consultation on listed events expected in 2025. Delegates will examine what it means for the remits and sustainability of the BBC and other PSBs, and more specific issues such as definitions of adequate live and alternative coverage of listed events.
Sessions will also bring out latest thinking on strategy for tackling illegal streaming and wider piracy, including the way forward for international and cross-sector collaboration, and priorities for regulation and enforcement in light of evidence of widespread use by the UK public.
With the agenda currently in the drafting stage, overall areas for discussion include:
- policy: implications of legislation - inclusion of internet programme services in listed events regulations - key themes from Ofcom’s consultation on coverage - the pathway for implementation
- market dynamics:
- consumer shifts towards OTT services and changing viewing preferences - digital exclusion and access issues - identifying priorities for regulation to address evolving consumer habits
- impact of significant tech sector investment and OTT providers - implications for rights valuations - potential influence on viewer habits and sports popularity
- challenges for traditional broadcasters - consumer costs and access - options for regulatory solutions to improve consumer experience and access
- competition and value for media outlets across the market - priorities for sports organisations and athletes - fairness, opportunity and transparency in rights acquisition
- public service media:
- financial and wider constraints faced by PSBs - evaluating funding models and potential policy interventions - balancing public service objectives with competitive pressures
- priorities for policy on public access to crown jewel events - potential expansions to the list - considerations for the balance between public accessibility and commercial needs
- PSM sustainability - funding policy - revenue strategies, innovation and partnerships - role of sport and broadcasting rights in the future for PSM viability and service
- sports sector development:
- spreading investment and benefits - supporting diversity in sport - advancing women’s sport - creating media opportunities for new and emerging sports areas and market innovation
- grassroots sports - links between public broadcast access and participation - strategies for increasing positive social and health impacts - long-term implications for sports development
- online piracy: scale, impact and emerging threats - international collaboration and options going forward - regulatory and enforcement priorities for effective action - strategies and best practice
