Olympic Games biddingIOCFuture Host CommissionSalt Lake City 2034Winter Olympics

Olympic Games Bidding Process and Salt Lake City 2034 Selection

Olympic Games Bidding Process and Salt Lake City 2034 Selection

The process of selecting a host for the Olympic Games has evolved significantly to become more flexible and collaborative. Under the framework of Olympic Agenda 2020, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has moved away from traditional rigid bidding cycles toward a more fluid approach designed to ensure sustainable and efficient hosting.

The Modern Bidding Framework

The current selection process is managed by the Future Host Commission, which facilitates a two-stage engagement process with interested parties. This new system allows for a "host" to be comprised of multiple regions or countries, moving beyond the historical requirement of a single host city.

Continuous Dialogue

The first stage is known as continuous dialogue. This is an ongoing, non-committal conversation between the Future Host Commission and any party interested in hosting a future edition of the Games. This phase allows the IOC to explore possibilities without forcing candidates into expensive and competitive bidding wars.

Targeted Dialogue

Once the Commission identifies a strong prospect, it recommends preferred candidates to the IOC Executive Board. If approved, these candidates enter targeted dialogue, a more focused stage where specific plans and guarantees are refined before a final recommendation is made.

Salt Lake City and the 2034 Winter Olympics

The effectiveness of this new process was recently demonstrated in the selection of the host for the 2034 Winter Games. On November 29, 2023, following the recommendation of the Future Host Commission, the IOC Executive Board invited the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) to enter targeted dialogue.

During this process, Salt Lake City was named the sole preferred candidate for the 2034 Winter Olympics.

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The Final Election

The selection process culminated during the 142nd IOC Session in Paris on July 24, 2024. The 95 IOC delegates participated in a referendum to officially elect the host. Salt Lake City was successfully elected to host both the 2034 Winter Olympics and the 2034 Winter Paralympics.

Key Facts

  • Olympic Agenda 2020: The policy framework that established the current flexible bidding process.
  • Host Flexibility: Hosts can now be multiple regions or countries rather than just a single city.
  • Two-Step Process: Selection moves from "continuous dialogue" to "targeted dialogue."
  • 2034 Host: Salt Lake City, USA, was elected via a referendum of 95 IOC delegates.

Election Results Summary

Region NOC Name Yes No Abs
Utah United States 83 6 -

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between continuous and targeted dialogue?

Continuous dialogue is a non-committal, ongoing exploration of interest between the IOC and potential hosts. Targeted dialogue is a formal, focused stage for preferred candidates recommended by the Future Host Commission.

Can more than one city host the Olympic Games?

Yes. Under the new rules, a host can consist of multiple regions or countries, rather than being limited to a single city.

Who recommended Salt Lake City for the 2034 Winter Olympics?

The Future Host Commission recommended Salt Lake City, leading the IOC Executive Board to invite the USOPC to targeted dialogue.

How was the final decision for the 2034 host made?

The decision was made via a referendum involving 95 IOC delegates during the 142nd IOC Session in Paris on July 24, 2024.

What was the final vote count for Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City received 83 "Yes" votes and 6 "No" votes from the IOC delegates.

References

  1. Arapaho: Niico'ooowu' 2034; Gosiute Shoshoni: Tit'-so-pi 2034; Navajo: Sooléí 2034; Shoshoni: Soónkahni 2034
  2. "Utah's Olympics have a new name and logo. Not everyone's cheering". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved December 18, 2025.
  3. "SLC named preferred host for '34 Winter Olympics". Sports Business Journal. November 29, 2023. Archived from the original on January 26, 2024. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  4. "Future Olympic Games elections to be more flexible". International Olympic Committee. May 2, 2019. Archived from the original on April 22, 2021. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
  5. "Evolution of the revolution: IOC transforms future Olympic Games elections". International Olympic Committee. June 26, 2019. Archived from the original on April 22, 2021. Retrieved January 23, 2023.