Abstract:
The regulation of risks in the cross-border transfer of athletes’ personal data has emerged as a critical issue in the digital transformation of global sports governance. Addressing how international sports law governs these risks requires balancing the demand for free data circulation in international digital sports contexts with the need for mitigating unique risks. Effective risk regulation should prioritize the dual objectives of ensuring both freedom and security in data transfer, achieved through collaborative governance bodies, inclusive regulatory principles, and systematic rule frameworks. However, current regulatory efforts face challenges such as fragmented coordination among governing entities, a lack of consensus on inclusive regulatory philosophies, and insufficient legal frameworks. To address these gaps, China should advocate for enhanced inter-regulatory collaboration, foster inclusive regulatory consensus, and promote the development of international sports soft law, thereby contributing to and advancing the digital transformation of global sports governance.