Reducing latencies for content protection in audio/video networks includes reserving a wireless channel for a time period to accommodate control message exchange for content protection in data communication between a wireless transmitter and wireless receiver over a wireless channel. The control message exchange includes wirelessly transmitting a control request message from the transmitter for content protection to the receiver, and transmitting a control response message from the receiver to the transmitter in reply. Reserving the wireless channel includes reserving the wireless channel for a time period that accommodates the control message exchange. The time period includes a single transmission opportunity period for communication on the wireless channel, to reduce latency for the control message exchange between the transmitter and receiver.