One day after securing a $4.38B deal with NBC for U.S. rights to the '14-20 Olympics, the IOC "inched closer toward a new revenue-sharing agreement with U.S. Olympic leaders Wednesday that could open the way for an American bid for the 2020 Games," according to Stephen Wilson of the AP. The IOC and USOC "reported progress in their latest round of talks aimed at resolving a long-running dispute over revenue sharing that contributed to stinging defeats" for the past two U.S. Olympic host bids -- N.Y. for '12 and Chicago for '16. IOC Marketing Commission Chair Gerhard Heiberg said, "We are getting closer and closer. We are down to small points. It's still our hope that before too long we should be there." Wilson reported both sides have "expressed hope of signing a new deal before the IOC general assembly from July 6-9 in Durban, South Africa, although no deadline has been set," and agreeing on a revenue-sharing plan "would remove a major impediment to any U.S. Olympic bid." The USOC would have to submit an application to the IOC by Sept. 1, and Heiberg said, "I think it would be very positive for the United States, for the IOC and for everybody if they had a good city in the race for 2020. We would like to have games in the USA again, no question about it." IOC Finance Commission Chair Richard Carrion acknowledged U.S. reluctance after failing in its two previous bids, saying, "I understand that, but if you don't compete you can't win." Wilson noted many countries considering bids for '20 are "waiting until after the July 6 vote in Durban on the host city of the 2018 Winter Games." If Pyeonchang, South Korea, wins that vote, "Asian cities could be reluctant to come forward for 2020." Likewise, some European cities "might hold off if the 2018 Games go to Munich or Annecy" (AP, 6/8).
