Abstract: Redefining the concept of sports communication is an issue that urgently needs to be addressed at present in view of the discrepancy between academic research and practical development in sports communication, especially the reality of the lack of theoretical updates to align with recent advancements in practice. This study reviews the evolution of sports communication concepts around the globe, reflecting on the limitations in interpreting current sports communication practices, uncovering the essential characteristics of sports communication, deepening its substantive functions, and guiding local sports communication practices. Grounded in Marxist philosophy’s interpretation of “human beings”, and based on local practices, local theories, and the demand for knowledge production, this study proposes a localized redefinition of the concept of sports communication. It posits that sports communication is a interactive process of generating sports knowledge and creating meanings, with sport as the content or medium, featuring embodied communication, and targeting the promotion of the all-round development of human beings. Based on this concept, the future orientation of sports communication discipline development should focus on interdisciplinary integration, highlight the constructive role of sports communication, and adhere to promoting human development as the fundamental guideline of discipline construction.