• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 18, 2025

IOC Proposes Holding Separate Olympics for Esports

  • The IOC executive board proposed the creation of a separate Olympics.
  • Esports has grown into a billion-dollar industry.
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The International Olympic Committee’s executive board announced Friday a proposal to make the “Olympic Esports Games.” Members will vote at an IOC session in Paris during this summer’s Game

“This structure must be clearly separated from the organizational and financial model which we apply for the Olympic Games,” said IOC president Thomas Bach. He also said the IOC is “really very excited” by the response of the esports community to a study he commissioned in October into whether this kind of venture could work.

The Olympic stamp of approval comes as esports has quickly grown into a billion-dollar industry. The League of Legends World Championship has sold out Madison Square Garden on multiple nights, and more than $250,000 can be distributed from tournaments in a given year, not to mention lucrative sponsorship deals.

But the industry has also faced financial struggles as of late. Team owners have parted ways with their star players or sold altogether, while viewership, stock prices, and partnerships have fallen.

The IOC first dipped its toe into esports with an esports event in Lausanne, Switzerland, back in 2018, after which it created the Esports Liaison Group. It piloted the Olympic Virtual Series in ’21, and in June ’23, held the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore. The event garnered more than six million views online, according to the IOC.

The IOC said it is already in “advanced discussions” with a possible host for the Esports Games, and a formal announcement should be made soon.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 13, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announces the pick for the Athletics pick during the MLB Draft at The Coca-Cola Roxy.

Manfred Says MLB Had Wrong Approach to Creators Like Jomboy

“You gotta go where people are going,” the commissioner said.
(NCL_OSU_11_SUGAR_LAURON 04JAN11) Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) slips around the Arkansas Razorbacks defense during first half of the Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, January 4, 2011.

Terrelle Pryor’s Case for NIL Backpay Dismissed in Court

Pryor played seven years in the NFL after leaving OSU amid a scandal.
Jun 9, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz (45) reacts after giving up a home run during the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field.

MLB Pitcher’s Paid Leave Extended Through August As Betting Probe Continues

Leagues have been dealing with a host of sports betting issues.

Featured Today

Jul 21, 2024; Ayrshire, SCT; Xander Schauffele celebrates with Claret Jug after winning the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon.

The Boozy History and Traditions of The Open’s Claret Jug

The Open awards the world’s most famous wine decanter.
2025 PDC World Darts Championship Final - Luke Littler vs Michael Van Gerwen
July 16, 2025

A Teen Darts Prodigy Is Becoming Bigger Than the Game Itself

Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler is cashing in on his devastatingly accurate shot.
May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive
July 13, 2025

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.
July 12, 2025

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.

Thunder Favored, but Bettors Backing Pacers Big in NBA Finals

The most bet-on exact series outcome is the Thunder winning in five.
Fanduel
March 4, 2025

FanDuel Retains Sports Betting Crown With $14B in 2024 Revenue

The FanDuel parent company posts big increases in revenue and net income.
May 8, 2025

FanDuel Misses Projections As Betting Favorites Dominate 

FanDuel is hit by customer-friendly betting outcomes during March Madness.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
February 20, 2025

Americans Bet $148 Billion on Sports in 2024, Up 23.6%

Both overall handle and revenue rose by more than 20% last year.
DraftKings app
February 14, 2025

Lawsuit Says DraftKings VIP Program ‘Preyed On’ Gambling Addicts

The company’s being sued for negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
August 20, 2024

Beloved ‘Backyard Sports’ Brand Says It Will Relaunch After Decade Hiatus

“Backyard Baseball” was a turn-of-the-century computer hit. 
DraftKings
August 2, 2024

DraftKings Announces Consumer Tax Starting Next Year

The company’s stock fell 5% Friday morning.