• Loading stock data...
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Big Prices, Bigger Drama Surround Ambitious Paris Olympics

  • New protocol will separate those watching opening ceremony for free from paying fans
  • Relocation of homeless people, high ticket prices drawing criticism
Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The organizing committee for the 2024 Paris Games is planning the largest opening ceremony at any Olympics ever — but at significant human and financial costs.

The Games will begin with an elaborate parade along the River Seine, with plans to draw hundreds of thousands of fans along the route, marking the most ambitious opening ceremony ever — and one intended to revive the event after a pair of editions spoiled by the pandemic.

To pull that off, the French government introduced a new protocol in which those wishing to watch for free must pre-register for tickets and will be separated from about 100,000 projected to pay as much as $2,900 each for closer, waterside views. 

The government also plans to relocate homeless people out of Paris ahead of the Olympics, opening up hotels that authorities use to provide emergency accommodations, but also fueling outcry from regional towns expected to house those people.

Meanwhile, further criticism is growing, even from athletes, over high ticket prices to many individual events, leading committee president Tony Estanguet this week to acknowledge the frustration — even while touting more than 6.8 million tickets sold.

Making matters worse, Brigitte Henriques, the president of France’s Olympic Committee and the first woman to lead Olympic sports in the country, resigned on Thursday after months of heavy infighting within the organization. Astrid Guyart, that committee’s general secretary, will assume the role on a temporary basis before a successor is chosen this summer.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

After Draft-Day Snub and Drama, Sanders to Start Preseason Opener

Multiple injuries mean Sanders gets the nod for the opening preseason game.

US Open Breaks Prize Money Record, Still Leads All Grand Slams

The total 2025 US Open prize money is $85 million.

Former Heat Security Guard Indicted in $2M Memorabilia Scheme

He is accused of stealing more than 400 game-worn jerseys and other memorabilia, prosecutors say.

WNBA Hits Sophie Cunningham With Fine Over Ref Criticism—Again

Cunningham was fined $500 in July for criticizing referees on a TikTok.

Featured Today

Dec 14, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; President Donald Trump wave during the second quarter of the game between the Navy Midshipmen and the Army Black Knights at Lincoln Financial Field

‘Political Gold’: Trump Putting His Stamp on College Sports 

Trump has embraced executive action on hot-button college sports issues.
August 3, 2025

Inked Under Anesthesia: Athletes Getting $50,000 Tattoos

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty
August 2, 2025

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
Jun 13, 2018; Moscow, Russia; A general view of a beer stand inside of Luschniki Stadium one day prior to the start of the FIFA World Cup 2018.

Saudi Arabia Says No Alcohol at 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia won’t allow alcohol anywhere during the 2034 World Cup.
Paralympics Tiktok
August 25, 2024

The Wildly Successful Paralympics TikTok Account Isn’t What You Think

A cheeky TikTok account is opening the world of Paralympic sports.
January 13, 2025

Gavin Newsom Reveals Status of 2028 Olympics As Los Angeles Wildfires Roar

Gavin Newsom says there’s a “Marshall Plan” to rebuild Los Angeles.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
August 11, 2024

Passing of the Torch: Los Angeles Set for Olympic Firsts in 2028

The city last hosted the Summer Olympics in 1984.
August 1, 2024

Saudi Arabia Submits Bold World Cup Bid That Includes a Cliffside Arena

The Saudis are proposing a new stadium in a futuristic city called Neom.
John John Florence (USA) surfs in men’s round two competition during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach.
July 29, 2024

Olympic Surfers Won’t Get Their Full Paris Moment

‘We’re kind of separate off on our own little thing over here.’
Teahupo'o Tahiti Surfing
July 26, 2024

Olympic Surfing Crashes on Tahiti Like a Wave

For Teahupo‘o’s locals, the Olympics are a mixed blessing.