How Olympic Host Cities Are Chosen

For most of Olympic history cities competed in open votes, courting IOC members with bid books and, too often in the 1990s, with gifts that ended in the Salt Lake City scandal and sweeping reforms. Agenda 2020 then allowed hosts to propose existing venues and sustainable plans, and the 2024 process produced a rare double award, Paris and Los Angeles, by negotiation rather than contest.

Brisbane 2032 followed through the new targeted dialogue, confirmed years ahead without an open race. Future hosts now lean on reuse: Milan and Cortina 2026, the French Alps 2030 and Salt Lake City 2034 all rely on venues they already own..