Tokyo 2020: Intel signs Olympic deal till 2024 after McDonald's split

Lausanne: Just days after splitting with long-term partner McDonald’s, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Wednesday it had signed a deal with technology giant Intel. “Intel and the IOC are partnering to bring Intel’s leading technology to enhance the Olympic Games through to 2024,” the IOC said. The partnership was signed at an official ceremony in New York with IOC president Thomas Bach and Brian Krzanich, Intel’s chief executive, both present. [caption id=“attachment_3735007” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Representational image. Reuters[/caption] “We’re very excited to be working with the Intel team to drive the future of the Olympic Games through cutting-edge technology,” said Bach. Krzanich added: “Through this close collaboration with the Olympic family, we will accelerate the adoption of technology for the future of sports on the world’s largest athletic stage.” The technology giant hopes the partnership will prepare the terrain for their 5G global roll-out of next generation telecommunications. Intel will also provide virtual reality broadcasting of the Winter Games, providing fans with the opportunity for a more immersive experience from their own homes. Their 360 Replay Technology means fans can experience Olympic moments from every angle at the venues, experiencing what it’s like to be at the Games with a front-row seat. Intel’s global rights will include the Winter Olympic Games at Pyeongchang in 2018, the 2020 Tokyo Games, Beijing’s Winter Games in 2022 and the Olympics in 2024, which will be held either in Paris or Los Angeles. McDonald’s announced last week it had ended its longtime Olympic partnership dating back to 1976. The US fast food giant had supported the Olympics since the Montreal Games, and although the split takes place with immediate effect, they will continue to be a sponsor at the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang.