From media rights and live production to artificial intelligence and the future of fan engagement, the world of sports broadcasting is evolving faster than ever and this week, the conversation heads to Chengdu.

The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union is preparing for the highly anticipated ABU Sports Media Conference 2026, taking place from 14 – 16 May 2026, where broadcasters, sports media leaders, rights holders, and industry innovators from across the region will gather to examine the future of sports media in an increasingly digital world.

As audiences shift from traditional television screens to streaming platforms, mobile devices, and on-demand viewing, sports broadcasting is undergoing a major transformation. Broadcasters are now navigating a landscape shaped by changing viewer behaviours, rising rights costs, immersive technologies, and growing pressure to deliver faster, smarter, and more engaging content experiences.

Against this backdrop, Chengdu 2026 will serve as an important platform for industry dialogue and collaboration, with discussions expected to focus on key issues including digital transformation, sports rights, audience engagement, artificial intelligence, production innovation, and the future of live sports coverage.

Beyond the conference halls, the event also highlights the growing role sports broadcasting continues to play in connecting audiences, cultures, and communities across borders. In many ways, sports media remains one of the few forms of broadcasting capable of bringing millions of people together in real time.

For the ABU, the conference reflects the Union’s continued commitment to supporting regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and innovation within one of broadcasting’s most dynamic sectors. As the sports media landscape continues evolving at unprecedented speed, platforms such as the ABU Sports Media Conference remain essential in ensuring broadcasters across the Asia-Pacific remain connected, informed, and future-ready.