MONACO: The sports media industry’s glitterati are preparing to descend on Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum next month, as Sportel Monaco returns for its flagship annual gathering from 20-22 October. The event, which has become the de facto marketplace for international sports media deals, is already showing signs of its strongest edition in years.
Exhibition space is nearly sold out, with more than 70 exhibitors confirmed including heavyweight American networks ESPN and NFL, alongside European football powerhouses LaLiga and Bundesliga. Tech disruptors such as Sportradar, WSC Sports and Wurl will rub shoulders with traditional broadcasters in what promises to be a fascinating collision of old and new media.
The 2025 programme reflects an industry in flux. Conference sessions will dissect how generative artificial intelligence is revolutionising production and fan engagement, while panels explore the streaming wars and new monetisation models that are upending traditional broadcasting. Private equity’s growing appetite for sports assets will also come under the microscope.
Hollywood’s creeping influence on sports storytelling gets star billing with a panel titled Hollywood hits the paddock: F1 taking storytelling to the next level. The session reflects Formula 1’s remarkable transformation from niche motorsport to global entertainment phenomenon, aided by Netflix’s Drive to Survive series.
LaLiga president Javier Tebas will deliver the event’s keynote address, while executives from Amazon Web Services, Liverpool FC, World Rugby and the Professional Fighters League are among those offering insights into their strategies.
Networking remains central to Sportel’s appeal. A new Sports Bar will provide a relaxed environment for deal-making, while the Women’s Lunch returns after its successful debut last year, highlighting female leadership across the industry.
“This year is already shaping up to be a great success,” said Sportel Monaco executive director Loris Menoni. “The programme is designed to reflect the very latest industry trends.”
The Monaco gathering’s strength has convinced organisers to expand eastwards once again. Sportel Singapore will return on 24-25 March 2026, following strong Asian demand for the format.
As traditional media companies grapple with cord-cutting and tech giants muscle into sports rights, Sportel’s marketplace function has never been more crucial. The Monaco edition will reveal whether the industry’s transformation is accelerating—or whether some old certainties still hold.
