World IP Day 2026: Principal Usman Khan on IP as a Game‑Changer in Modern Sports

Principal Usman Khan, Ph.D., shared how intellectual property (IP) is playing an increasingly dominant role in modern athletics with World IP Review for its World IP Day 2026 coverage on the theme “IP in Sports.”

Drawing on his lifelong passion for sports as a former player and current soccer coach, Khan explained that IP‑driven revenue streams, including broadcasting rights and sponsorships, increasingly determined a team’s ability to attract elite talent. He pointed to high‑profile athlete deals as examples of how strategic use of IP reshaped recruiting and competitive balance, while noting the growing influence of artificial intelligence, digital media, data ownership, and name, image, and likeness rights (NIL). Khan reflected on the dual impact of these shifts, acknowledging higher costs for fans while highlighting how digital and virtual engagement brought supporters closer to teams and athletes.

Excerpt: "When leveraged properly, IP allows teams to break barriers and make deals that were, at one time, inconceivable."

Read the full article: Game, set, match: How IP became sport’s most valuable player