The IOC and Saudi Arabia call it quits on their Olympic esports partnership

"The esports partnership between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Saudi Arabia is no more. On Thursday, the IOC said that it and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) have "mutually agreed" to part ways. The breakup comes weeks after Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund and other investors bought EA for $55 billion. The IOC and SOPC agreed on a 12-year esports partnership in 2024."

"Instead, the two sides are now "committed to pursuing their own esports ambitions on separate paths," according to the IOC. The organization now plans to "spread the opportunities presented by the Olympic Esports Games more widely." It still wants the inaugural games to happen "as soon as possible." The AP notes that the dissolution comes seven months into Kristy Coventry's IOC presidency. We don't know the details of how the deal came apart."

"The AP notes that the dissolution comes seven months into Kristy Coventry's IOC presidency. However, the IOC wants to connect with younger fans through esports, but in a way that "Olympic values are respected." Saudi Arabia's Esports World Cup features MOBAs, shooters and fighting games. If the IOC wants to project a squeaky-clean image while connecting with young gamers, it may have an uphill battle. (For the record, games don't lead to violence.)"

The International Olympic Committee and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee mutually agreed to end their planned esports partnership. The original 12-year deal envisioned Olympic Esports Games held every two years, with potential hosts including South Korea and the US and initial events pushed to 2027. The IOC says both sides will now pursue separate esports ambitions and intends to spread Olympic Esports Games opportunities more widely while aiming for an inaugural event as soon as possible. The IOC seeks to engage younger fans through esports while ensuring Olympic values are respected. Saudi Arabia continues its Esports World Cup featuring MOBAs, shooters and fighting games.

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