Impact of IOC reform efforts on Olympic costs and sustainability

Ascertain the impact of the International Olympic Committee’s reform programs (Agenda 2020 and Agenda 2020+5) on the costs, cost overruns, and economic sustainability of the Olympic Games, including whether these reforms produce measurable improvements.

Background

The paper reviews prior research and current evidence on Olympic costs and overruns, noting persistent patterns of high and rising expenses as well as systematic overruns. Against this backdrop, the IOC has implemented reforms aimed at sustainability and cost control, but the authors emphasize that their real-world impact is still undetermined.

The study’s empirical findings suggest recent trends have not improved, underscoring the need to evaluate whether reforms are effectively altering cost trajectories and financial risk.