Sports broadcasting is governed by a complex web of regulations that aim to balance the interests of various stakeholders, including broadcasters, sports leagues, advertisers, and the general public. In many countries, special regulations govern how sporting events are broadcasted to ensure fair competition, protect intellectual property rights, and encourage local participation in sports. These regulations often cover aspects such as licensing, content distribution, exclusivity rights, and audience accessibility.

In certain regions, like the Middle East, the sports broadcasting industry is shaped by unique rules due to its rapid growth, the importance of sports to national identity, and recent high-profile events like the FIFA World Cup.

This Practice Note will provide an overview on the impact of special regulations on sports broadcasting in general.