Tokyo Olympic organisers set to re-engage with sponsors

Organisers of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics are looking to start talks with sponsors next month about the implications of the rescheduled Games.

Local media have reported that discussions will begin in July with local companies who will be asked to extend their sponsorship deals and potentially make extra payments to cover the COVID-19-driven postponement period, according to local media. Japan Today said Tokyo spokesman Masa Takaya confirmed the talks would begin next month.

Local sponsorship deals for the Tokyo 2020 Games currently stand at about US$3.3 billion, double that of any previous Olympics, and representing nearly 60% of the income for the privately-funded operating budget.

Tokyo organisers say deals with the 11 Olympic Partners, or TOP sponsors, the highest level of Olympic sponsorship, will also have to be amended.

The escalating cost of the postponed Games is heaping financial pressure on the organising committee. According to The Nikkei Asian Review, organisers estimate that the delayed Games will add US$2.7 billion to the original budget of US$12.6 billion before the postponement.

A recent survey by Japanese public-service broadcaster NHK said two-thirds of corporate sponsors of Tokyo 2020 are unsure if they will extend their contracts beyond this December.

NHK said some companies failed to respond on how they will react if the committee asks for further financial contributions, and 14% said it would depend on costs.