The market value of sports media rights is set to reach $5B in Asia Pacific excluding China this year, according to "Asia Pacific Sports In The Age Of Streaming," a new report published by Media Partners Asia. The value represents a 22% increase from '17, lifted by rising demand for digital rights and market growth in India and Australia as well as the ongoing World Cup. While sport remains the last bastion for pay-TV operators combating subscriber churn, OTT delivery is becoming the main driver of rights inflation, opening fresh opportunities for rights holders while adding new layers of complexity to negotiations and deals. The report's main author, MPA Senior Analyst Srivathsan AR, said, "In our view, the value of sports media rights across TV has probably peaked in Asia Pacific with the notable exception of India, where the market for linear channels remains robust and scalable." The market for digital sports in Asia Pacific is broadly divided between: 1) broadcasters with scalable distribution that are investing in digital rights for new and emerging platforms; and 2) telecoms and pure-play digital platforms that are monetizing tentpole rights through subscription, advertising and commerce. Sports franchises are also experimenting with direct-to-consumer services (MPA).
