The bid strategy process

Why?

We are convinced that the Olympic and Paralympic Games can have added value for the whole country if they are planned in a sustainable and future-orientated way. That is why we want to bring the Games back to Germany after more than 50 years.

However, there are also reservations in Germany about an Olympic bid: the Games would be too big, too expensive, not sustainable. The DOSB therefore sought dialogue with sport, politics, business and, above all, civil society at an early stage. We wanted to know: Why do people in Germany want the Olympics or why don’t they? In digital expert talks, public dialogue forums and a survey representative of the population, we have compiled a meaningful picture of public expectations with regard to a to a possible bid.

The result: The majority of Germans are in favour of hosting the Games. But not at all costs. The demands of society were summarised in the “Frankfurt Declaration”, which form the societal guidelines for the DOSB dor the creation of a bid concept.

Where?

Which city will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games? This question has not yet been decided. There is a reason for this: unlike in previous bidding processes, this time the DOSB has invited various cities and federal states to take part in a joint process. The DOSB will select suitable venues by mid-2025.

These cities are part of the process:

  • Berlin
  • Hamburg
  • The city of Munich and the state of Bavaria
  • The city of Leipzig and the state of Saxony
  • The state of North Rhine-Westphalia with the Rhine-Ruhr region

One thing is already clear: a German bid concept is based on more than one city. This way, expensive new buildings can be avoided and more people can take part in the Games.

When?

The next editions to be awarded for the Games in summer are 2036 and 2040. The next available Olympic Winter Games are 2042, as the 2030 Olympic Winter Games (France / French Alps) and 2034 Olympic Winter Games (USA / Salt Lake City) have already been awarded at the 142nd IOC Session 2024 in Paris and Switzerland has been granted preferential rights by the IOC for 2038.

Based on this initial situation, in 2023 the representatives of the Olympic Associations have spoken out in favour of initially pushing ahead with the creation of a bid concept for the 2026 and / or 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in the ‘Wiesbaden Declaration’.

How?

The DOSB is the initiator of the strategy process for a new German bid for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

These guidelines form the framework for the further process:

  • Together instead of against each other: We develop the bid concept together with suitable and interested cities and regions.
  • Maximum involvement of stakeholders: Throughout the entire process, we involve the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community as well as federations, athletes, cities, and federal states in a steering group.
  • During the home game, we prepare for the away game: We first secure national support while at the same time prepare for the international competition.
  • Sustainable use of sports infrastructure: The bid concept is based on existing or temporarily upgraded sports facilities.
  • Support of the population: Permanent and modern participation right up to the last gold medal at potential Games is an important part of our planning. This is the only way to achieve broad public support for a bid. We are committed to working together with the cities and the federal government on modern concepts that go beyond a yes-or-no decision on one day many years before the Games, but do not rule it out.

Explainer video.

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Who is behind it?

The German Olympic Sports Federation (DOSB) is the umbrella organization of German sports and represents the interests of around 87,000 gymnastics and sports clubs, which have more than 27 million members. The DOSB was founded on 20 May 2006 as a result of the merger between the German Sports Confederation and the National Olympic Committee for Germany.

The DOSB is responsible for the development and promotion of sports in Germany, both at the highest and broadest levels. Among other things, it is responsible for the preparation and participation of German athletes in the Olympic Games and other major sporting events. It also represents the interests of German sports at both the national and international levels. The DOSB also focuses on youth sports development, gender equality in sports, and the observance of ethical principles in sports.

In order to live up to its mission statement, the DOSB works closely with 99 member organizations, including 16 state sports associations, 66 umbrella organizations, and 18 associations specializing in specific tasks.

You can read more about the DOSB here.

What are the Olympic and Paralympic Games?

The Olympic Games are competitions between athletes in individual or team events who compete for their respective countries. The Games date back to ancient Greece. They were established in 776 BC and took place every four years in Olympia. The first Summer Olympics of modern times were held in Athens (Greece) in 1896, and the first Winter Olympics were held in Chamonix (France) in 1924. The initiator of the modern Olympic Games was Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin.

The word Olympiad refers to the four-year period between the Summer Olympics. Until 1992, incidentally, the Summer and Winter Olympic Games took place during the same year. After that, the Winter Olympics were staggered by two years in relation to the Summer Olympics, maintaining the four-year interval.

The Paralympic Games, or Paralympics, have been around since 1960 They took place in Rome that inaugural year. During the Paralympics, athletes with physical impairments compete against each other. Back then, in Rome, the sporting event was not called the Paralympics, but the “International Stoke Mandeville Games”. The Olympic Games for people with disabilities have only been called the Paralympics or Paralympic Games since 1988. They take place just after the Olympic Games, in summer or winter and at the same venue.

The Olympic and Paralympic Games are a reflection of the principles of the Olympic idea: the pursuit of excellence, the spirit of peaceful competition, the spirit of friendship and international understanding, and the spirit of fair play.

Facts and figures.

about the Olympic Games.

  • The Olympic Games are held over a period of 16 days.
  • Approx. 10,500 athletes participate.
  • There are 28 core sports covering 44 disciplines as well as additional sports proposed by the host city or region.
  • More than 300 sporting events take place at about 40 venues.
  • The French capital of Paris will host the 33rd Olympic Games.

about the Winter Olympics

  • The Winter Olympics are held over a period of 16 days.
  • Approx. 2,900 athletes participate.
  • There are seven core sports covering 15 disciplines as well as additional sports proposed by the host city or region.
  • More than 100 sporting events take place at about 12 venues.
  • The Italian city of Milan and the region of Cortina d’Ampezzo will host the 25th Winter Olympic Games in 2026.

about the Paralympic Games

  • The Paralympic Games are held over a period of 13 days.
  • Approx. 4,300 athletes participate.
  • There are 22 sports.
  • More than 500 sporting events take place at about 20 venues.

about the Paralympic Winter Games

  • The Winter Olympics are held over a period of 10 days.
  • Approx. 550 athletes participate.
  • There are six sports.
  • More than 70 sporting events take place at about six competition venues.

Further Information.

Further information on the dialogue initiative ‘YOUR IDEAS. YOUR GAMES.’ can be found in our flyer:

YOUR IDEAS. YOUR GAMES. – Information flyer