Which Countries Bid for the Olympic Games? The Role of Economic, Political, Social, and Sports Determinants

International Journal of Sport Finance, 14(2), 110-126, 2019

Posted: 5 Mar 2020

See all articles by Wolfgang Maennig

Wolfgang Maennig

Universität Hamburg, Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences

Christopher Vierhaus

Independent

Date Written: 2019

Abstract

This study adds to the debate about the relationship between the Olympic Games and socio-economic factors. It is the first empirical work testing if economic, political, and social determinants (as well as the prospects of success) help to forecast which countries will submit an Olympic bid to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). On the basis of the biddings for the eight Summer Olympic Games from 1992 to 2020, we find that countries recording larger economic growth are more likely to bid. Also, Olympic bids are more probable from nations with stable election results, recent improvements in health standards, and more international tourism arrivals. Finally, countries at least implicitly assess their chances of winning the Olympic host city election when considering a bid.

Keywords: Olympic Games, socio-economic changes, mega-events, bidding countries, decision making, sports forecasting

JEL Classification: R58, L83, Z2

Suggested Citation

Maennig, Wolfgang and Vierhaus, Christopher, Which Countries Bid for the Olympic Games? The Role of Economic, Political, Social, and Sports Determinants (2019). International Journal of Sport Finance, 14(2), 110-126, 2019, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3532321

Wolfgang Maennig (Contact Author)

Universität Hamburg, Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences ( email )

Von-Melle-Park 5
Hamburg, 20146
Germany

Christopher Vierhaus

Independent ( email )

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