"Fit for the Future": New methodology for determining Olympic programme and strengthened host selection process proposed
A new methodology for reviewing the Olympic programme and changes to the host selection procedure will be proposed to the 146th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session due to meet on 24 and 25 June in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Key facts
- The IOC EB recommends a discipline-based evaluation of the Olympic programme to better manage costs, operations and programme relevance.
- Clear and transparent evaluation criteria, assessments and timelines will ensure consistent, sustainable and athlete-centred programme decisions, starting with Brisbane 2032.
- The IOC EB is proposing a transitional stage of “Strategic Dialogue” between Continuous and Targeted Dialogue to allow the EB to shortlist Interested Parties, as well as the increased involvement of stakeholders along the way.
If approved by the IOC Session, the new Olympic programme methodology would apply from Brisbane 2032 onwards, marking a major shift towards greater flexibility, transparency and sustainability.
The framework of a revised Olympic Games election process will set clear timelines and evaluation criteria for potential hosts from the outset and increase the involvement of IOC Members along the way. Shortlisted countries will be invited into enhanced discussions.
These announcements were made by IOC President Kirsty Coventry during her update on the ongoing “Fit for the Future” process, following a meeting of the IOC Executive Board (EB) – drawing on the analysis and recommendations of the Olympic Programme Working Group (OPWG) and the Future Host Commission for the Games of the Olympiad.
A discipline-focused approach to optimise cost, complexity and impact
The new Olympic programme review methodology is built around disciplines, reflecting their direct impact on venue planning, operational delivery and cost structures.
For this purpose, the definition is as follows:
An Olympic discipline is one or more events within a sport that require either a dedicated field of play or a significant modification of a shared field of play with another Olympic discipline, generally involving a separate group of athletes.
Based on the analysis of the OPWG, the methodology introduces a consistent, structured process to be applied across all future Olympic Games cycles, ensuring a more objective and transparent approach to programme decisions. It balances three core priorities: maintaining an appropriate Games size, ensuring global relevance, and integrating new opportunities.
Two distinct pathways will be established:
- Incumbent disciplines, already included in the Olympic Games referenced in the Host Contract;
- Candidate disciplines, not currently part of that edition’s programme.
While assessed against similar criteria, these pathways recognise differences in the available data, ensuring fair and robust evaluation.
Clear criteria placing athletes and global appeal at the centre
All disciplines will undergo an initial screening, covering governance standards, anti-doping compliance, integrity measures, and athlete safety and safeguarding.
They will then be evaluated against core criteria, focusing on:
- Global appeal
- Cost and operational complexity
- Athlete representation
A final stage will bring together high-performing candidate disciplines and lower-performing incumbent disciplines for direct comparison using consistent and objective measures.
This approach strengthens flexibility while ensuring that programme decisions remain grounded in performance, sustainability and the Olympic values.
Structured timeline and strengthened governance for decision-making
The proposed system introduces a clear timeline:
- The core programme of sports and disciplines will be confirmed, in principle, seven years before the relevant Games, or at the Session where the host election takes place, whichever occurs later.
- The events programme and athlete quotas will be finalised after the previous edition of the Games.
The IOC Session will be the decision-making authority for the discipline programme.
Disciplines removed from the programme will remain eligible for future inclusion via the candidate pathway, ensuring a continued development opportunity.
Implementation starting with Brisbane 2032
If approved by the IOC Session, the proposed methodology is set to apply for the first time for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, and will then apply for all subsequent editions.
Given Brisbane’s advanced planning stage, some flexibility may be required in implementation. The framework will not apply to the French Alps 2030 Olympic Winter Games.
Strengthened host selection process
The new Olympic election process, which will be submitted to the IOC Session, will establish timelines, clear milestones and additional points of engagement with IOC Members to provide greater predictability and transparency for potential hosts and the Olympic Movement.
A transitional stage of “Strategic Dialogue” will take place between Continuous and Targeted Dialogue to allow the EB to shortlist Interested Parties with developed projects for more in-depth evaluation.
The reforms are designed to enable potential hosts to develop their projects in a more cost‑efficient way, offering planning security for governments while allowing sufficient time to build public support.