The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union -ABU- is holding the ABU Sports Media Conference Chengdu 2026 from 14 to 16 May 2026 in Chengdu, China, with Sichuan Media Group -SCMG- as the main venue. The event brings together broadcasters, sports media professionals, industry leaders, federations, organisers and rights holders to analyse the evolution of sports broadcasting in the Asia-Pacific region.
The conference comes at a time of rapid transformation in sports consumption, shaped by digital platforms, remote production, artificial intelligence, media rights and the need to reach more fragmented audiences. The event opened with close to 300 registrations on the first day, including almost 80 international participants, positioning Chengdu as a forum for debate on how sports events will be produced, distributed and monetised in the coming years.
Asian Games Hub and the digital shift in Asian sport
One of the main focal points was the intervention by Jeans Zhou Jian, Director of Media and Broadcast at the Olympic Council of Asia -OCA-, with a keynote presentation on digital media communication for future Asian Games. His presentation focused on Asian Games Hub, the digital platform that the OCA sees as the official broadcast and content centre for the multi-sport events under its authority. The platform reflects the trend towards having dedicated distribution channels, reducing exclusive dependence on traditional intermediaries and strengthening the direct relationship with fans. The Over-The-Top -OTT- model allows live competitions, replays, news and sports content to be offered through connected devices, from mobile phones and computers to tablets and smart TVs.
The agenda also addressed the rising cost of media rights and access to events in developing countries. Park Jang-beom, President and CEO of KBS and ABU Vice-President, spoke about the overheating rights market and the need to ensure that audiences can continue to access major competitions. That debate connects with disciplines and events that depend on greater international visibility in order to grow. The conference included a panel on sportscasting and digital platforms, moderated by Lorraine Yuen, Chairperson of the ABU Sports Group, with representatives from the International University Sports Federation -FISU-, Migu Video, World Archery and TRT Spor.
Sports governance, esports and artificial intelligence
The ABU Sports Committee meeting addressed regional cooperation and the main changes affecting the industry, as well as the election of Ersin Siyhan, from TRT Sports, as the committee’s new Vice-Chairperson. The conference therefore acts as a coordination space for public and private broadcasters, federations and technology stakeholders with common interests in the production and distribution of sports events.
The programme also broadens its focus to esports, digital sports and the creation of grassroots sports intellectual property. The World Digital Sports Alliance -WDSA- is taking part in a session on content creation, platform cooperation and youth audiences, while other blocks analyse next-generation production, event presentation, technology applied to competitions and the role of artificial intelligence in content production, analytics and audience engagement. In addition, the ABU Sports Media Conference Chengdu 2026 is relevant to major multi-sport competitions such as the Asian Games, university sport, international federations, esports, grassroots leagues and organisations seeking to expand their distribution without relying solely on traditional television windows.
Chengdu and SCMG as an audiovisual showcase
The main venue adds operational value to the conference. Sichuan Media Group is located in the Chengdu High-Tech Industrial Development Zone and has internationally standard studios, advanced production and broadcasting facilities, and professional spaces for forums, exhibitions and networking. The venue makes it possible to combine technical sessions, institutional meetings, workshops and demonstrations linked to sports broadcasting.
The programme also includes an exchange visit to SCMG’s facilities, a Canon workshop on cinematic live production and remote production, and a Sportbank masterclass on the Chinese sports market. Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, also provides an environment connected to technology, transport, culture and major events, with two international airports, a metro network and recent experience in organising international sporting events.
On Saturday, the conference will close its main programme with a session on artificial intelligence in sports media and a restricted meeting of the ABU Sports Group for Full and Additional Full Members. The agenda is completed by local exchange activities, a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and attendance at a Sichuan City Football League match between Deyang and Yibin at Deyang Sports Park Stadium.
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