Evaluating the Economic Viability and Long-Term Sustainability of Hosting the Olympic Games: A SWOT Analysis Approach

Wenzimo Hua

doi:10.54254/2754-1169/2025.BJ25437

Advances in Economics, Management and Political SciencesOpen access

Evaluating the Economic Viability and Long-Term Sustainability of Hosting the Olympic Games: A SWOT Analysis Approach

Research Article

Open Access

Evaluating the Economic Viability and Long-Term Sustainability of Hosting the Olympic Games: A SWOT Analysis Approach

Wenzimo Hua ^1*

¹ The Ohio State University

^*Corresponding author: hua.299@buckeyemail.osu.edu

Published on 24 July 2025

AEMPS Vol.205

ISSN (Print): 2754-1177

ISSN (Online): 2754-1169

ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-293-5

ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-294-2

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Abstract

In the context of accelerating globalization, large-scale sporting events such as the Olympic Games have become crucial platforms for host nations to demonstrate economic power and strengthen their global influence. While these events bring immediate economic benefits via infrastructure investment, tourism, and international exposure, their long-term financial sustainability remains a matter of concern. Historical data reveals significant cost overruns and post-event infrastructure underutilization, with the 2004 Athens and 2016 Rio Olympics serving as typical examples. This paper employs a SWOT analysis framework to evaluate the multidimensional economic impacts of hosting the Olympics. The results show that while the Olympics enhance global visibility and promote cultural diplomacy, they also impose substantial fiscal risks and environmental burdens. In addition, it further examines strategies such as enhancing budget management, repurposing infrastructure after the event, and exploring multi-country hosting options to enhance the economic impact and long-term viability of the Games. In conclusion, host nations should prioritize cost-benefit analysis and long-term sustainability in their decision-making processes to minimize economic risks and promote lasting development.

Keywords:

Olympic games, Economic impact, SWOT analysis, Sustainability, Cost control

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References

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References

[2]. Nawalkha, R. (2024) The economic footprint of the FIFA World Cup. IOSR Journal of Economics and Finance, 15(5): 45–49. https: //doi.org/10.9790/5933-1505034549.

[3]. Derchi, G.B., Stricker, C. and Dethier, J.J. (2024) Economic impact assessment of Olympic Games. International Academy of Sport Science and Technology.

[5]. Müller, M., Gogishvili, D. and Wolfe, S.D. (2022) The structural deficit of the Olympics and the World Cup: Comparing costs against revenues over time. Environ Plan A. 54(6): 1200-1218.

[6]. Buchholz, K. (2024). The huge costs behind the Olympic Games. Statista. https: //www.statista.com/chart/5424/the-massive-costs-behind-the-olympic-games/

[7]. Blandeau, T. (2024) The Olympic Games and their impact on the host country’s economy. Michaelzakkovision. https: //www.michaelzakkovision.com/article/olympic-games-economic-impact

[9]. 3D Wealth Advisors. (2024). Financial lessons from the Olympics. https: //3dwealthadvisors.com/resources/blog/financial-lessons-from-the-olympics/

Cite this article

Hua,W. (2025). Evaluating the Economic Viability and Long-Term Sustainability of Hosting the Olympic Games: A SWOT Analysis Approach. Advances in Economics, Management and Political Sciences,205,1-7.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

About volume

Volume title: Proceedings of ICEMGD 2025 Symposium: The 4th International Conference on Applied Economics and Policy Studies

ISBN: 978-1-80590-293-5(Print) / 978-1-80590-294-2(Online)

Editor: Florian Marcel Nuţă Nuţă, Xuezheng Qin

Conference website: https://www.icemgd.org/

Conference date: 20 September 2025

Series: Advances in Economics, Management and Political Sciences

Volume number: Vol.205

ISSN: 2754-1169(Print) / 2754-1177(Online)

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