The development of algorithms and the spread of digital infrastructure have contributed significantly to the productivity of the digital economy. Data has come to be known as the “oil of the digital economy”. At the same time, data has begun to participate more deeply in the production activities of the global sports industry chain, and the international discussion on how to protect the rights of sports event data has been increasing. Based on the configurational theory and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis, this study discusses the factors affecting the protection of sports event data rights. The study found three configuration paths for achieving high enterprise data protection effectiveness and two for achieving low enterprise data protection effectiveness. The results of this study provide theoretical support for governments to address the issue of sports event data rights. They will also facilitate the safe use of data in sports, promote the global sports industry and humanitarian action development, and contribute to international sustainable development.