ABSTRACT

This chapter describes the key concepts and the main actors of international sports events. To this end, it examines the concepts of ‘sport’ and ‘sports event’, bidding procedure and the main actors in charge of organising international sports events, as well as unequal distribution of income within the sports sector. The concept of ‘sport’ is defined in the light of its historical evolution, linguistic scope and legal scope. The definition is completed with the establishment of the fundamental characteristics of professional sports and the distinction between genuine sports activities and ‘sportified activities’ (such as eSports). The concept of ‘sports event’ is examined by means of different categories of sports events (such as mega sporting events and hallmark sporting events) established in accordance with the existing literature. The signature of and the typical clauses contained in Host City Contracts as well as the main actors in charge of organising an international sports events are briefly described by means of the explanations relating to bidding procedures. Last but not least, the unequal distribution of income within the sports sector is illustrated via examples.