IOC and Saudi Arabia Terminate Esports Partnership After Year

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Saudi Arabia have mutually terminated their Esports partnership, which was originally intended to span 12 years. The decision, announced on Thursday, follows just one year of collaboration, as both parties aim to pursue individual projects in the gaming arena. This separation occurs two years prior to the planned inaugural Olympic Esports Games in Riyadh.

In a statement, the IOC revealed that discussions with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee led to the decision to end their cooperation. The IOC noted, “Recently, the two parties and the Esports World Cup Foundation sat down again and reviewed this initiative. They mutually agreed that they will end their cooperation on the Olympic Esports Games.” Both organizations are now committed to advancing their respective Esports ambitions independently.

Changing Strategies in Esports Development

The IOC has been exploring Esports for several years, recognizing the need to engage with a younger demographic increasingly involved in gaming. As the traditional audience for the Olympics ages, the governing body is actively seeking ways to connect with potential new fans. The partnership with Saudi Arabia was seen as a significant opportunity to capitalize on the kingdom’s growing investment in sports.

Saudi Arabia has made substantial investments in various sporting events, including soccer, Formula One, boxing, and golf, aiming to bolster its international sports presence. Critics have labeled these efforts as “sportswashing,” arguing that the kingdom seeks to improve its global image despite ongoing concerns about its human rights record. The country is set to host the 2034 Soccer World Cup and has expressed ambitions to secure the Summer Olympics.

Despite the dissolution of the partnership, the IOC remains focused on the future of Esports within its framework. The organization plans to create a new approach to the Olympic Esports Games, with the objective of developing a partnership model that better aligns with the long-term goals of the Olympic Movement.

“The IOC, for its part, will develop a new approach to the Olympic Esports Games … and pursue a new partnership model,” the IOC stated. “This approach will be a chance to better fit the Olympic Esports Games to the long-term ambitions of the Olympic Movement and to spread the opportunities presented by the Olympic Esports Games more widely, with the objective of having the inaugural Games as soon as possible.”

As the IOC forges ahead with its Esports initiatives, the landscape for competitive gaming continues to evolve, presenting both challenges and opportunities for engagement with younger audiences.