Asia Sports Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 3 Week of 24 February 2025
(1) Hong Kong should up its game in sports law to nurture sector, chief justice says
Andrew Cheung says ‘massive’ industry needs support from legal profession, as government touts sports-related arbitration in city
(2) Intense Competition Sparks Qatar’s 2025 Sports Broadcasting Rights Acquisitions
Major networks race to secure exclusive coverage of upcoming sporting events, creating heightened viewer engagement opportunities.
(3) The Australian at the Heart of Saudi’s Billion-Dollar Push to Dominate Global Sport
Saudi Arabia’s sports investment fund, SURJ, has acquired a minority stake in DAZN to establish a joint venture focused on enhancing sports broadcasting opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa.
(4) Government to regulate basketball betting
The Hong Kong government is considering regulating basketball betting to combat illegal activities, with potential collaboration from the Hong Kong Jockey Club, amid concerns about social issues and long-term implications for gambling addiction.
(1) Hong Kong should up its game in sports law to nurture sector, chief justice says
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
Chief Justice Andrew Cheung Kui-nung has stated that Hong Kong needs to improve its sports-related laws and regulations to better align with international standards and meet the growing demands of the sports sector. He emphasised that the legal environment must evolve alongside sports, which has become a significant industry. Key areas of focus include competition rules, athletes’ rights, commercial contracts, and arbitration mechanisms.
Cheung highlighted the importance of developing laws that ensure fairness in sports and protect athletes’ rights. He mentioned that the legal industry should provide professional support and dispute resolution mechanisms, aiming to create a solid foundation for the long-term development of the sports sector. He also noted that both sports and the rule of law share a commitment to fairness and justice.
At the event, Deputy Secretary for Justice Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan indicated that the government is promoting sports-related arbitration due to the increasing demand for legal services in this area. The Law Society of Hong Kong has established a sports law committee and plans to hold a conference to address various legal issues in the industry. The growing scrutiny of sports integrity and healthcare issues has intensified the need for new regulations, requiring specialised legal input.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3299739/hong-kong-should-its-game-sports-law-nurture-sector-chief-justice-says?module=perpetual_scroll_0&pgtype=article
(2) Intense Competition Sparks Qatar’s 2025 Sports Broadcasting Rights Acquisitions
(Photo Credit: FIBA)
There is significant competition among broadcasting networks for Qatar’s sports broadcasting rights, particularly for major events like the 2025 Asian Cup. Networks are ramping up efforts to secure these rights due to the anticipated viewer interest and lucrative contracts associated with the events. Qatar’s established reputation for hosting world-class sporting events further adds to the value of these broadcasting rights.
Key players like Al Jazeera Sports and ESPN are competing to not only broadcast the events but also provide comprehensive coverage that includes analyses and interactive streams. As technology evolves, networks are challenged to integrate innovative viewing experiences while meeting viewer demands for seamless connectivity and engaging content. Audience feedback is shaping how networks plan their acquisitions and offerings.
The stakes are high for broadcasters, as successful rights acquisitions can enhance profitability through subscriptions and advertisements. Analysts are observing the negotiations closely, recognising that these acquisitions are about building connections with viewers and shaping future viewing habits. The outcomes will impact global sports broadcasting dynamics, influencing how fans connect with and experience sports.
News Source: https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/intense-competition-sparks-qatars-2025-sports-broadcasting-rights-acquisitions-217334
(3) The Australian at the Heart of Saudi’s Billion-Dollar Push to Dominate Global Sport
(Photo Credit: Surj Sports)
Saudi Arabia is making significant progress in the global sports streaming market through its investment in DAZN, a platform that has acquired valuable broadcasting rights for various international sports, including European football and MotoGP. This move is part of the kingdom’s broader ambition to enhance its influence in the sports sector, supported by the deep financial resources of its Public Investment Fund. The complexities surrounding broadcasting rights are evident as DAZN navigates a competitive landscape, aiming to maximise its returns on substantial investments.
Danny Townsend, CEO of Surj Sports Investment, highlights the shift from traditional broadcasting models to digital direct-to-consumer services, reflecting changing viewer preferences and consumption habits. This transition presents challenges for broadcasters, particularly in managing the rising costs of sports rights, which have seen exponential growth. As the market evolves, the sustainability of these expenditures is under scrutiny, indicating a need for broadcasters to adapt to the new economic realities of sports media.
The investments have sparked discussions around “sports washing,” where financial commitments to sports are perceived as efforts to improve the kingdom’s global image amid its controversial human rights record. Townsend defends these initiatives, asserting they are part of a strategic vision for economic diversification and social progress. As Saudi Arabia continues to assert its presence in global sports, the legal and economic implications of broadcasting rights will play a critical role in shaping the future of both local and international sports markets.
News Source:https://www.afr.com/companies/sport/can-this-australian-guide-saudi-arabia-to-global-sporting-dominance-20250219-p5ldcj
(4) Government to regulate basketball betting
(Photo Credit: RTHK)
The Hong Kong government plans to explore regulating basketball betting and has invited the Hong Kong Jockey Club to submit a proposal. Financial Secretary Paul Chan noted public concerns about illegal basketball betting, with an estimated turnover of HK$70 billion to HK$90 billion last year. He stressed the need to effectively combat illegal betting activities, which have led to social issues like loan sharking and underage gambling.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club stated it would submit a detailed proposal and is eager to collaborate with the government on this initiative. Regulating basketball betting could help address the surge in illegal activities and enhance the club’s ability to contribute to charity and generate tax revenue. Lawmaker Kenneth Fok welcomed the move, suggesting it could channel related revenues back to the city, with an expected additional HK$1.5 billion to HK$2 billion in gambling tax revenue annually.
Concerns about the long-term implications of regulating basketball betting were raised by Professor Patrick Lau from Baptist University. He argued that while regulation might temporarily curb illegal activities, underground betting could persist. He highlighted ethical issues around gambling in sports and mentioned that for every HK$1 spent on gambling, the government would need to spend HK$4 to address gambling addiction, indicating potential long-term societal costs.
News Source: https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1793247-20250226.htm
