IOC Ends 12-Year Partnership with Saudi Olympic Body for Esports Games
In a major development that has sent ripples across the global esports and sporting communities, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) have officially ended their 12-year partnership, marking the conclusion of their collaboration on the Olympic Esports Games.
The decision, announced jointly by both organizations, also means that the IOC and the Esports World Cup Foundation will no longer cooperate on the inaugural edition of the Games, which was initially expected to debut in 2027.
A Strategic Split After a Decade-Long Partnership
According to an official release issued from Lausanne, the IOC and SOPC had been in active discussions for over a year regarding the future framework of the Olympic Esports Games. However, both sides ultimately agreed to pursue separate paths, citing diverging visions for the development of the esports ecosystem.
“The IOC, for its part, will develop a new approach to the Olympic Esports Games, taking the feedback from the ‘Pause and Reflect’ process into account, and pursue a new partnership model,” the IOC said in a formal statement.
The statement emphasized that the decision was mutual and rooted in a shared belief that both organizations could advance their esports ambitions independently.
“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,” the IOC noted, adding that it aims to host the inaugural Games “as soon as possible.”
What Led to the Split
The IOC’s “Pause and Reflect” process—an internal review that began earlier this year—was initiated after concerns emerged about the direction of the Olympic Esports initiative, particularly regarding its governance, inclusivity, and alignment with Olympic values.
Sources close to the discussions told TheTrendingPeople that there were creative and structural differences between the IOC and the Saudi-based Esports World Cup Foundation over event management, brand ownership, and selection of partner games.
The IOC reportedly wanted a non-commercial, sport-centric approach to esports integration, focusing on competitive titles that simulate Olympic sports like archery, sailing, and motorsport. In contrast, the Saudi initiative sought a broader commercial format, featuring globally popular titles such as Valorant, League of Legends, and PUBG.
The divergence in philosophy ultimately led to the termination of the collaboration.
Background: A Bold Vision for Digital Sports
The Olympic Esports Games were first conceptualized in 2021 as part of the IOC’s larger effort to attract younger audiences and bridge the gap between traditional sports and digital competition.
The idea gained momentum after the Olympic Esports Series 2023, held in Singapore, showcased nine virtual and simulated sports, drawing participation from over 250,000 players worldwide and millions of online viewers.
Building on that success, the IOC and the Saudi Esports Federation (later restructured as the Esports World Cup Foundation) began work on what was intended to be the first-ever Olympic Esports Games, a full-scale event designed to integrate competitive gaming into the Olympic framework.
However, despite the shared enthusiasm, differences in governance and event execution gradually surfaced.
Official Statements: Focus Shifts to a New Framework
In its announcement, the IOC reaffirmed that while the Saudi partnership has ended, its commitment to esports remains unwavering.
“The initiative of the Olympic Esports Games has created a great deal of excitement amongst all stakeholders of the Olympic Movement and the esports community,” the statement read.
“The overwhelming feedback received from Olympic stakeholders and gaming partners shows a great desire and support for the initiative. The IOC will continue shaping the Games’ structure with developers and publishers to deliver the first edition soon.”
Meanwhile, the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee expressed confidence in the decision, stating that it will now pursue its own esports development strategy through the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), which has already announced ambitious plans to expand esports tournaments across the Middle East and Asia.
The EWCF confirmed that its Esports Nations Cup, a flagship biennial event, will debut in Riyadh in 2026, bringing together players from over 70 countries in a global competition format.
“The Saudi esports ecosystem continues to thrive and evolve. We will remain committed to advancing esports globally while nurturing the next generation of talent,” an EWCF spokesperson said in a statement.
Why This Matters: Global and Industry Impact
The dissolution of the IOC–Saudi partnership represents a pivotal moment for both global sports diplomacy and the burgeoning esports industry.
The IOC’s move signals its intent to retain direct control over how esports integrates into the Olympic framework, ensuring that the event aligns with Olympic values of fair play, gender equality, and universality.
Analysts suggest the IOC is likely to restructure its esports division and form new partnerships with independent gaming publishers and global esports bodies.
Meanwhile, the Saudi withdrawal could bolster the country’s own esports ambitions. Riyadh has been investing heavily in esports through Vision 2030, positioning itself as a global hub for gaming and digital entertainment. The Esports World Cup 2025, set to be the world’s largest esports competition, is already attracting major global sponsors.
For athletes, developers, and fans, the separation could result in two parallel esports ecosystems — one governed by the IOC with Olympic ideals, and another commercially driven under Saudi patronage.
Past Precedents and Future Outlook
This is not the first time the IOC has recalibrated its partnerships. In 2019, it ended its esports collaboration with a private gaming consortium over concerns regarding violent content and branding rights.
The IOC’s latest decision reflects its ongoing balancing act — embracing technological innovation without compromising its ethical and sporting foundations.
Industry experts believe that the first independent Olympic Esports Games could still debut by 2028, possibly aligning with the Los Angeles Summer Olympics, if new partnerships and sponsors are secured.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The end of the IOC’s 12-year partnership with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee underscores the complex interplay between innovation, ideology, and influence in the fast-evolving world of esports.
While the split delays the inaugural Olympic Esports Games, it may ultimately result in a clearer, more inclusive framework that aligns with the Olympic spirit.
For Saudi Arabia, the separation marks not a setback but an opportunity — a chance to build its own global esports identity, independent of Olympic oversight.
As both entities chart their separate paths, the world of digital sports stands on the cusp of transformation — one that could redefine the boundaries between competition, technology, and cultural diplomacy.