Table of Contents
- 1. APAC Sports Rights: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities
- 2. The APAC Media Rights Landscape
- 3. Industry Leaders Weigh In
- 4. Long-Term trends in APAC Sports Broadcasting
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions
- 6. How can businesses tailor content acquisition strategies to effectively navigate the diverse cultural and digital landscapes of the APAC region?
- 7. Content Acquisition Strategies for APAC: Spotlight on SPORTEL monaco 2025
- 8. Understanding the APAC Content Landscape
- 9. SPORTEL Monaco 2025: A Key Hub for APAC Deals
- 10. Strategic Approaches to Content Acquisition at SPORTEL Monaco 2025
- 11. Pre-SPORTEL Planning: Due Diligence is Key
- 12. On-Site Strategies: Maximizing Your ROI
- 13. Post-SPORTEL Follow-up: Sealing the Deal
- 14. Emerging Content Acquisition Models in APAC
Published: 2025-10-10
Sydney, australia – A pivotal discussion unfolded on Tuesday, October 21st, focusing on the complexities of securing and maximizing the value of sports media rights within the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The conversation, held during the Speakers Stage Ravel event, brought together prominent figures from the world of sports business to address the unique hurdles and emerging possibilities in this dynamic market.
The APAC Media Rights Landscape
The Asia-Pacific region, boasting the world’s largest population, presents a compelling, yet challenging, habitat for sports rights holders. while increasing affluence is fueling a greater consumer appetite for global sporting events, rights holders are increasingly finding it challenging to finalize lucrative media rights deals. This is coupled with broadcasters facing important setbacks including rampant piracy and diminishing pay-television viewership in several key territories.
According to a recent report by Statista, digital sports viewership in APAC is projected to reach 650 million users by 2026, highlighting the shift in consumer behavior and the need for adaptable distribution models.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
Imran Yusuf, Executive Editor of SportBusiness, skillfully moderated the panel discussion. Participants included Marissa Banu-Lawrence, Head of Content Acquisitions, Commercial Sport at Fox Sports Australia; Mark Chew, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Reddentes Sports; and Kevin Sim, Head of Asia Pacific for Bundesliga International.
Mark Chew emphasized the fragmented nature of the APAC market, stating that a standardized approach is ineffective. “The Asia-Pacific region presents both exciting opportunities and unique challenges when it comes to content acquisition. With its diverse markets and rapidly evolving consumer habits, there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy,” chew stated.
He further expressed the importance of collaborative platforms like Sportel Monaco in fostering discussions between rights holders,broadcasters,and industry experts. “The monoco provides an ideal platform to bring together rights-holders, broadcasters and industry leaders to exchange perspectives on how best to serve fans and unlock growth in APAC,” he added.
| Panelist | Association | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Imran Yusuf | SportBusiness | Moderator |
| Marissa Banu-Lawrence | fox Sports Australia | Head of Content Acquisitions, Commercial Sport |
| Mark Chew | Reddentes Sports | Co-Founder & Managing Director |
| Kevin Sim | Bundesliga International | Head of Asia Pacific |
Did You Know? The Asia-Pacific region accounts for nearly 60% of the world’s population, making it a critical market for sports organizations looking to expand their global reach.
Pro Tip: Developing localized content and distribution strategies, tailored to specific cultural preferences, is crucial for attracting and retaining viewers in the APAC region.
Long-Term trends in APAC Sports Broadcasting
The challenges facing sports broadcasters in APAC are not new, but their intensity is increasing. The rise of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms,coupled with increasingly elegant piracy operations,continues to disrupt customary revenue models. However, this disruption also presents opportunities.Rights holders and broadcasters are increasingly exploring direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming services and targeted advertising strategies to capture a larger share of the revenue stream. The successful navigation of this evolving landscape will require agility, innovation, and a deep understanding of the APAC consumer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Content Acquisition Strategies for APAC: Spotlight on SPORTEL monaco 2025
Understanding the APAC Content Landscape
The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region presents a unique challenge and opportunity for content acquisition. Diverse cultures,varying levels of digital maturity,and fragmented media landscapes demand a nuanced approach. Simply replicating Western strategies rarely yields optimal results. Prosperous content licensing APAC, sports content distribution Asia, and media rights acquisition APAC require deep regional understanding. Key trends shaping the market include:
* Mobile-First Consumption: APAC is overwhelmingly mobile-first. Content must be optimized for smaller screens and faster loading times.
* Rise of OTT Platforms: Over-the-top (OTT) platforms like Viu, iQiyi, and WeTV are gaining critically important traction, creating new avenues for sports broadcasting rights APAC.
* Localized Content Demand: Audiences crave content that resonates with their local cultures and languages. Content localization APAC is crucial.
* E-Sports Growth: The explosive growth of e-sports presents a significant content acquisition opportunity.
* Increasing Demand for premium Sports: Football (soccer), cricket, basketball, and badminton are especially popular, driving demand for premium sports content APAC.
SPORTEL Monaco 2025: A Key Hub for APAC Deals
SPORTEL Monaco, held annually, remains a pivotal event for international sports rights market. The 2025 edition (October 20-22) will be particularly crucial for APAC-focused content acquisition.Here’s why:
* Concentration of Rights Holders: Major sports federations, leagues, and broadcasters converge at SPORTEL, offering a centralized location for negotiations.
* Networking Opportunities: The event facilitates crucial networking with key decision-makers from across the APAC region.
* Early Access to Rights Packages: Often, rights packages for upcoming seasons are unveiled or pre-marketed at SPORTEL, providing a competitive advantage.
* Trend Spotting: Observing discussions and presentations at SPORTEL provides valuable insights into emerging trends in sports media rights.
Strategic Approaches to Content Acquisition at SPORTEL Monaco 2025
Pre-SPORTEL Planning: Due Diligence is Key
Before even stepping foot in Monaco, thorough preparation is essential.
- Define Your Target Audience: Clearly identify the demographics and preferences of your target audience in specific APAC markets.
- Market Research: Conduct in-depth research on the competitive landscape, existing rights holders, and potential viewership numbers. Utilize resources like Nielsen, Ampere Analysis, and local market reports.
- Budget Allocation: Establish a realistic budget for content acquisition, factoring in rights fees, production costs, and marketing expenses.
- Identify Key Rights: Prioritize the sports and leagues that align with your audience and business objectives. focus on live sports rights acquisition.
- Legal Counsel: Engage experienced legal counsel specializing in international sports law and media rights agreements.
On-Site Strategies: Maximizing Your ROI
* schedule Meetings in Advance: Don’t rely on chance encounters. Pre-book meetings with key rights holders and potential partners.
* Focus on Relationship Building: SPORTEL is as much about building relationships as it is about closing deals. Invest time in networking and fostering rapport.
* Be Prepared to Negotiate: Have a clear understanding of your bottom line and be prepared to walk away if the terms are unfavorable.
* Explore Co-Acquisition Opportunities: Partnering with other broadcasters or platforms can reduce costs and expand reach.
* Attend Key Conferences & Panels: Gain insights from industry experts and stay abreast of the latest trends.
Post-SPORTEL Follow-up: Sealing the Deal
* Prompt Follow-Up: Instantly follow up with all contacts made at SPORTEL.
* Detailed Proposal Submission: Prepare thorough proposals outlining your vision for content distribution and monetization.
* contract Negotiation: Work closely with your legal counsel to finalize contracts and ensure all terms are clearly defined.
* Rights Management System: Implement a robust rights management system to track and manage your acquired content effectively.
Emerging Content Acquisition Models in APAC
Beyond customary linear broadcasting rights, explore these emerging models:
* Digital Sub-Licensing: Acquiring digital rights and sub-licensing to OTT platforms or mobile operators.
* Short-Form content Deals: Focusing on highlights, clips, and behind-the-scenes footage for social media and digital platforms.
* Data-Driven Acquisition: Leveraging data analytics to
