LAUSANNE, July 2, 2025 – The International Sports Press Association (AIPS) is thrilled to announce the launch of the 8th edition of the AIPS Sport Media Awards, the highest accolade in the sports media industry.
From today until 4 November 2025, sports journalists, photographers, and broadcasters from around the world are invited to submit up to two entries for consideration in the world’s most prestigious sports media competition. All submissions must have been published or broadcast between 5 November 2024 and 4 November 2025.
This year’s Awards continue the tradition of recognising excellence in sports journalism across all platforms and in various categories, including writing, photography, audio, and video. The AIPS Sport Media Awards celebrate the dedication, creativity and impactful storytelling that bring the world of sport to life.
KEY DATES
Submissions Open: 2 July 2025
Submission Deadline: 4 November 2025
Period of validity for submissions: 5 November 2024 – 4 November 2025
Longlist announcement: January 2026
Shortlist announcement: February 2026
Top 10 Finalists and Podium candidates: March 2026
Podium ceremony: April 2026 in Lausanne, Switzerland
HOW TO SUBMIT
Participants can submit their two entries via the official website: www.aipsawards.com. Submission guidelines and detailed category descriptions are available online to help entrants prepare their work.
PRIZES
Each eligible category offers an original trophy and prize money as follows:
Winner: USD 5,000
Second place: USD 3,000
Third place: USD 2,000
This applies to the following categories:
- Photography («Sport Action» and «Portfolio»)
- Writing («Best Opinion Column» and «Best Colour Piece»)
- Audio
- Video («Athlete Profile», “Documentary” and “Short Feature”)
Winners of the Young Reporters categories (Photography, Writing and Broadcasting) will receive a career-boosting opportunity: a scholarship to attend a major international sports event. Young Reporters categories do not award second or third place.
The Special Awards are not open to submissions. Winners will receive a trophy (no prize money), and there are no second or third places in these categories.
WHY ENTER?
The AIPS Sport Media Awards offer a global stage for sports media professionals to showcase their best work. Winners and finalists receive international recognition, gain exposure to industry leaders, and benefit from networking opportunities. The Awards also highlight excellence at a continental level through regional rankings.
CATEGORIES
Writing
- Best Opinion Column
- Best Colour Piece
Audio
- Radio and podcasts
Video
- Short Feature (up to 10 minutes)
- Athlete Profile (more than 10 minutes)
- Documentary (more than 10 minutes)
Photography
- Sport Action (one photo)
- Portfolio (three to five photos)
Young Reporters – Under 30
- Writing
- Photography
- Broadcasting
ELIGIBILITY
The competition is open to professional journalists, photographers, and broadcasters worldwide aged 18 and older. Entries must be original work published or broadcast between 5 November 2024 and 4 November 2025.
Participants in the Young Reporters category must be born on or after 1 January 1997. Only one submission is allowed in the Young Reporters category per participant.
JUDGING
The Awards are judged by a Jury of 12 esteemed professionals, led by the President of the Jury, and selected by AIPS President Gianni Merlo.
The AIPS Executive Committee will shortlist ten candidates per category. The Jury will then select three finalists, who will be invited to the final awards ceremony in 2026.
The Jury reserves the right to accept, reject or propose additional candidates in exceptional cases. Certificates of achievement and special commendations will be granted to entries deemed worthy, even if not among the final three.
AIPS upholds values such as Human Rights, gender equality, Sports for hope, the fight against discrimination and doping, and the promotion of mental health in sports, among others.
JOIN THE LEGACY
In 2024, the AIPS Sport Media Awards received 2,065 submissions from 136 countries, a testament to the rich diversity and excellence within the global sports media community. In this 8th edition, we look forward to discovering the powerful, innovative stories that will shape the narrative of 2025.
For any inquiries, visit www.aipsawards.com or contact the Awards team at info@aipsmedia.com.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this prestigious celebration of sports journalism. Submit your best work and join the global community of outstanding sports storytellers. We look forward to honouring your achievements at the AIPS Sport Media Awards 2025!
ABOUT AIPS
Founded in 1924, the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) serves as the global voice for sports media professionals. AIPS promotes ethical standards, professional development, and the values of sport through the power of journalism.
