Does it sound weird to you, the combination of two words – human rights and sports business? You are not the only one. For decades, the “World of Sport” was viewed as a separate reality, a neutral playground governed by the spirit of fair play rather than the rigid structures of international law.
However, as sport has evolved into a multi-billion dollar global industry, that separation has vanished. From the construction of mega-stadiums to the manufacturing of team jerseys and the selection of host nations, the sports business now carries a massive human rights footprint.
This article explores why this intersection has become unavoidable and what the sports sector can learn from other industries that have already undergone a similar transformation.
Business and human rights emerged as a significant global issue in 2011, when the United Nations Human Rights Council published and formally endorsed the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). This endorsement marked a pivotal moment in international law, as it was the first time the United Nations articulated an authoritative global standard defining the human rights responsibilities of business enterprises.
The UNGPs are built around a simple core idea: both governments and companies have clear responsibilities when it comes to human rights.
This framework makes it clear that human rights aren’t just a government issue – companies play a direct role too.
The UNGPs are organized around three pillars:
Together, these pillars aim to close the gap between global human rights standards and what actually happens on the ground, without creating new laws but by setting a widely accepted global standard for responsible business conduct.
A clear illustration of how the UNGPs operate in practice can be seen in the approach taken by Microsoft. In line with the “respect” pillar, Microsoft conducts human rights due diligence to assess how its technologies – particularly cloud services, artificial intelligence, and data systems – may affect rights such as privacy, freedom of expression, and non-discrimination.
This includes evaluating risks linked to government surveillance or misuse of digital tools and, where necessary, modifying products, limiting sales, or engaging with stakeholders to prevent harm. Microsoft has also strengthened access to remedy by publishing transparency reports and maintaining channels through which concerns can be raised by users and civil society, demonstrating how the UNGPs can guide corporate behavior even in complex, fast-evolving sectors like technology.
The UNGPs can be applied across the sports industry because sport today operates as a global business with complex value chains and significant human rights impacts.
Under the “protect” and “respect” pillars, sports governing bodies, clubs, and event organizers are expected to identify and address risks linked to labor rights, discrimination, and safety. For example, major sporting events rely on large construction projects, private security, and global supply chains for equipment and merchandise, all of which can expose workers to forced labor, unsafe conditions, or wage abuses.
Applying the UNGPs means conducting human rights due diligence before events, setting clear labor standards for contractors and suppliers, and monitoring compliance throughout tournaments and seasons.
The “remedy” pillar is especially relevant in sport, where power imbalances often leave athletes, workers, and local communities without effective ways to raise concerns.
Together, these applications show how the UNGPs provide a practical framework for making the sports industry more accountable, ethical, and aligned with international human rights standards.
Real-world examples show that these issues are not theoretical. Preparations for major sporting events have repeatedly highlighted human rights risks linked to the sports business model. The construction of stadiums and infrastructure for global tournaments has drawn attention to unsafe working conditions, recruitment fees, wage theft, and restrictions on workers’ freedom of movement.
In response to international scrutiny, some event organizers and host governments have begun introducing labor standards, independent monitoring systems, and worker grievance mechanisms—illustrating how UNGP-inspired due diligence can lead to tangible improvements, even if challenges remain.
Human rights concerns also arise far beyond mega-events. In professional leagues, athletes have increasingly spoken out about abuse, discrimination, and retaliation, exposing gaps in safeguarding and accountability. The UNGPs offer a framework for clubs and federations to move beyond ad hoc responses by systematically identifying risks, preventing harm, and ensuring access to remedy.
These examples underline a broader point: sport is no longer exceptional. As a global business with enormous cultural influence, it cannot operate outside the expectations that now apply to other sectors. The UNGPs do not ask sport to abandon its values; rather, they provide a practical framework to translate ideals like fairness, dignity, and respect into governance, commercial decisions, and daily operations.
The rapid growth and influence of the sports industry make its responsibility to prevent harm and contribute to society more urgent than ever.
To support this shift, we are launching an online Course on Business and Human Rights in Sports designed for:
The programme will translate global standards into practical tools, real-life case studies, and actionable guidance – equipping participants to navigate human rights challenges and embed responsible practices across the sports ecosystem.
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