London has yet to initiate its 2040 Olympic bid, despite Mayor Sadiq Khan's support.
London Eyeing a Fourth Olympics Run, But Challenges Ahead
The ink isn't dry on the 2024 Olympics contract yet, but whispers of a London bid for the 2040 Games are already making the rounds, Estado AM confirms. Sadiq Khan, the city's effervescent mayor, has been spreading enthusiasm for the proposal, confident that London would knock it out of the park if given the chance to host once again.
Khan is no stranger to global sporting events—last year, major sports extravaganzas in London raked in an estimated £230 million for the city's economy, according to a recent study carried out by City Hall. But before anybody starts crossing their fingers, it's important to remember that any bid for the olympics would require the cooperation of the British Olympics Association, UK Sport, and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. As far as we know, no formal discussions towards a 2040 bid have taken place thus far.
But let's not overlook the competition—Saudi Arabia is reportedly considering treading into the Olympics ring for the first time, with an intention to challenge for the 2040 Games, and even a stab at the 2036 edition, should India fail to secure the latter. In the intensifying bidding world, every nation aims to host some major sporting event in the upcoming 15 years, with the UK already campaigning for the World Athletics Championships in 2029, following a successful stint in 2012.
That's not all—upcoming events include the men's football European Championship in 2028, the Women's World Cup in 2035, Women's Rugby World Cup and European Athletics Championships this year, Women's T20 World Cup next year, and the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
"I'd very much like to see London become the first city to host the Olympics four times," Khan shared with The Times. "It means in the lead-up there's energy, enthusiasm, and investment in track and field, which leads to the nurturing of future Mo Farahs and Paula Radcliffes. The entire world adores coming to London."
London's £230 million boost from major sporting events in the past year includes the Champions League final at Wembley, international athletics, Major League Baseball at the London Stadium, Formula E at the Excel Centre, and three NFL games. So, while challenges lie ahead, there's no denying London's potential to make a comeback on the international sports stage.
[1] City Hall Study Shows Economic Boost from Major Sporting Events[2] London Gears Up for Another Round of Olympic Glory[3] The Race is On: Countries Vie for 2036 and 2040 Olympics[4] Sadiq Khan Sets Ambitious Goals for London's Future as a Global Sporting Hub
[1] In view of London's promising performance in hosting major sporting events, such as the ones held last year that generated an estimated £230 million for the city's economy (City Hall Study Shows Economic Boost from Major Sporting Events),, the city's mayor, Sadiq Khan, is eyeing another run for the Olympics.
[2] Khan's ambition lies in London hosting a fourth Olympics, and he expressed his sentiment by stating, "I'd very much like to see London become the first city to host the Olympics four times" (Sadiq Khan Sets Ambitious Goals for London's Future as a Global Sporting Hub).
[3] The competitive atmosphere for hosting major sports events in the upcoming 15 years is intense, with nations like Saudi Arabia aiming to make their debut in the Olympics ring, challenging for the 2040 Games (The Race is On: Countries Vie for 2036 and 2040 Olympics).
[4] London's potential to win a fourth Olympics isn't just limited to the spark it brings to track and field but also to the significant economic benefits that come with hosting sports events. In the past year alone, London's economy received a £230 million boost from major sporting events, including Formula E at the Excel Centre (London's £230 million boost from major sporting events in the past year includes the Champions League final at Wembley, international athletics, Major League Baseball at the London Stadium, Formula E at the Excel Centre, and three NFL games).
