Public supports fair pay and voice for Olympic athletes

Rajendra Kumar Acharya UNI Asia & Pacific Regional Secretary | UNI Global Union

By Sky Industry News

Jan 23, 2025

UNI World Players, a division of UNI Global Union, has released the results of a public poll conducted to gauge awareness and attitudes toward athletes' rights and representation at the Olympic Games. The survey, carried out by Ipsos among nearly 3,200 participants from Australia, France, and the United States following the 2024 Paris Olympics, indicates strong public support for better compensation for Olympic athletes and increased athlete involvement in decision-making processes.

The findings suggest that the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) current practices do not align with public expectations regarding athlete rights and representation. As seven candidates vie for the position of IOC President, which will be decided in March this year, UNI World Players is advocating for fair treatment of athletes and equitable distribution of revenue generated by the Games.

Key findings from the poll reveal that across all three countries surveyed, half of respondents were unaware if the IOC shares revenue with athletes. Only 18 percent correctly identified that it does not. A majority—65 percent—believe that Olympic revenue should be shared with athletes either directly or indirectly. Support was highest in Australia at 68 percent, followed by France at 67 percent and the United States at 59 percent.

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The poll also shows strong backing for greater athlete agency in decision-making processes. Over 60 percent of respondents across all three countries believe athletes should have an equal say with the IOC on decisions affecting their careers. Support was strongest in Australia at 71 percent, followed by the United States at 67 percent and France at 62 percent.

There is also significant support for allowing athletes more freedom to promote personal sponsors during competition. In each country surveyed—USA (59 percent), Australia (57 percent), and France (51 percent)—a majority believes athletes should be allowed to endorse personal sponsors.

Matthew Graham, Head of UNI World Players, stated: "This poll shows the public support for change. Without athletes, there are no Olympic Games, and they deserve to have a stake in the enormous wealth they generate."

At previous events like Tokyo's pandemic-affected Olympics, revenues amounted to US$370,000 per competitor; however, only a small fraction reaches them through initiatives like 'Olympic Scholarship'. This disparity contributes to financial challenges faced by many athletes.

UNI World Players emphasizes that these polling results serve as a reminder for necessary reforms within IOC governance models concerning fundamental athlete rights aligned with modern professional sport demands.

For further details about this survey or related inquiries contact Leonie Guguen via email: leonie.guguen@uniglobalunion.org