Saudi Arabia and IOC Forge Historic Esports Deal

Saudi Arabia has signed a 12-year commercial partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to host the first Esports Olympics next year. This venture aims to attract younger audiences, with the partnership being announced during Riyadh's Esports World Cup. The deal awaits final approval from IOC members.

Saudi Arabia and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are embarking on their first commercial venture together, as the oil-rich kingdom gears up to host the inaugural Esports Olympics next year.

The groundbreaking 12-year partnership, announced during the ongoing Esports World Cup in Riyadh, will see Olympic Esports Games held on a regular basis, according to a statement from the IOC on Friday.

The IOC disclosed last month its intention to launch video gaming Olympics to engage younger audiences. The deal, however, requires approval from IOC members who are set to meet in Paris on July 23-24, just before the Summer Games.

(With inputs from agencies.)