ABSTRACT
The term ‘global sport’ and the associated processes of globalisation are not uncommon within discussions of contemporary sport, culture and society. This has tended to take place at two levels: the extent to which the globalisation of sport itself has occurred, and the extent to which sport makes a contribution to other globalisation processes. The existence of world
satellite information systems, global patterns of sports consumption and consumerism, and the emergence of global sports competitions such as international tennis matches, the Olympic Games or other international sports tournaments have all contributed to the idea that the world of sport is more of a single entity. Such a notion tends to overlook the complexity of international sport that is, in itself, both historically variable and multi dimensional. It is one thing to say that sport x is the most popular sport in the world and has increased its international presence, and another to say that sport x is global. Can you think of a truly global sport or product that exists in every country of the world?
