ABSTRACT
This chapter constitutes the final application of traditional diplomatic characteristics to NSSAs. It applies negotiation, intelligence gathering and dissemination, and the minimisation of friction, the last three of Bull's diplomatic functions, to a range of sporting actors. The three functions of diplomacy discussed in the chapter are not as obvious, glamourous, or sensible as representation or communication they are important in terms of building a comprehensive framework encompassing all theoretical facets of sports diplomacy. The common practice of secret sports diplomacy, the intentional, normative covert behaviours of teams, clubs, players and states, is another example of a new, fecund area of research simply waiting to be researched, reified and theorised on. Media businesses are influential in the world of sport. The Entertainment and Sports Programming Networks (ESPN), Alisports and Sky Sports are huge players in the growing sports entertainment market.
