• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, September 17, 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

Sep 13, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back AK Dear (0) tries to outrun Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Ricardo Hallman (2) during the second half at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Despite Vote Delay, SCORE Act Negotiations Continue on Capitol Hill

Political ad campaigns during college football Saturdays continue as well.

Trump Push to End Quarterly Earnings Has Major Sports Ramifications

U.S. President Trump proposes moving to semi-annual reporting for public companies.

Sling TV’s Day Passes Spark Another Sports-Centric Legal Battle

The disruptive programming options generate a second lawsuit in as many weeks.
Aug 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Denver Broncos helmet against the New Orleans Saints during warmups at Caesars Superdome.

Broncos Eye 2031 Opening for New Multibillion-Dollar Stadium

The NFL team plans a new venue and mixed-use development.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.

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

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
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.