The Role of Sports Mega Events in Global Political and Cultural Transformations

Sports mega events (SMEs) have undergone major transformations over the past 25 years. The shift from hosting these events primarily in developed nations to developing countries, the skyrocketing costs, and the growing focus on human rights have all changed the way we consume and understand these spectacles. Now, as most major events return to developed nations—at least until the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia—it is time to reflect on the legacy of this period, examine how these trends have transformed SMEs, and explore the future of these enterprises in an ever-shifting world.

In addition to geopolitical conflicts, new technologies and generational changes have revolutionized the ways these events are broadcast and consumed. Athletes and spectators are now connected 24 hours a day, constantly producing and interacting with content. These transformations have helped bring social issues—such as racism, homophobia, sustainability, and inequality—into the heart of sports coverage and made them part of the modern global sports dialogue.

This research topic aims to explore the impact of technological and geopolitical transformations on sports mega events, as well as how these events have contributed to shaping global relations and perceptions. To gain further insight into the sociopolitical impact of SMEs, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• SMEs, foreign relations, soft power, and public diplomacy
• The impact of social media on SMEs’ coverage and perception
• The new roles of athletes and fans in a connected environment
• Social issues and the transformation or continuity of SMEs
• The historical evolution of SMEs in the developed and developing worlds

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: sports mega events, SME, sporting events, sports competitions, human rights

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.