Munich’s citizens have spoken — and they want the Olympics back. In a referendum that drew record participation, 66.4 percent of voters supported Munich’s plan to pursue a future Olympic bid. The result gives Bavaria’s capital a strong political tailwind and increases pressure on the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) to accelerate its decision-making process.
Bavarian Premier Markus Söder called the result a “powerful signal” and announced that Munich will now push aggressively to become Germany’s official candidate for the Summer Games of 2036, 2040 or 2044.
“We will flood the DOSB with our arguments,” Söder said, stressing that the city’s existing infrastructure and the legacy of the 1972 Olympics make Munich uniquely qualified.
DOSB faces growing calls to speed up selection
Under the current plan, the DOSB intends to choose Germany’s official candidate by autumn 2025, with Munich, Berlin, Hamburg and the Rhine-Ruhr region still in contention. The confederation’s executive meeting in Frankfurt on 6 December will determine the exact timetable for the internal competition.
Munich’s mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) questioned whether a year-long domestic selection process is still appropriate given the city’s strong mandate. “We need to discuss whether this challenge process really needs to last a whole year,” he told reporters.
DOSB president Thomas Weikert welcomed Munich’s “positive impulse” but reiterated that the confederation intends to stick to the agreed timeline, while DOSB board member Otto Fricke emphasized that the procedure “was coordinated with all stakeholders.”
Competing cities prepare for their next moves
While Berlin has decided against holding a public referendum, Hamburg, the Rhine-Ruhr region and Kiel (for sailing events) are planning similar public votes — likely in spring 2026.
North Rhine-Westphalia’s premier congratulated Munich for its “clear commitment” but noted strong pro-Olympic sentiment in his own region as well. “The DOSB has created clarity for the process,” he said. “Next year, the decision can be made.”
Federal government welcomes the momentum
Sports Minister Christiane Schenderlein (CDU) described the Munich vote as a “strong signal” and said the government will carry this momentum into other candidate regions. Representatives of major sports federations, including Handball Association president Andreas Michelmann, called Munich’s vote “an important first step” — but not a guarantee.
“A majority ‘yes’ is only the beginning,” Michelmann noted. “It’s not yet a decision on who will represent Germany in the final Olympic race.”
Munich’s case: ready venues, global appeal, Olympic legacy
Premier Söder argues that Munich’s advantages are unmatched: existing world-class sports venues, robust infrastructure, and Bavaria’s reputation for safety and economic strength.
“We are far ahead of other German applicants in terms of facilities. We can do it, and we want it,” he told Bavarian Broadcasting.
Munich’s proposal builds heavily on the legacy of the 1972 Summer Olympics, meaning few new structures would be required. “Olympics, Paralympics, and Oktoberfest — two months of Bavaria at its best,” Söder said half-jokingly, framing the bid as a festival of sport and culture.
Jörg Ammon, head of the Bavarian Sports Association (BLSV), added that Munich will soon intensify its international lobbying efforts. “We must remember that the bait has to appeal to IOC delegates, not just to German associations,” he remarked.
Competition abroad: strong global contenders
Even with public enthusiasm at home, Germany faces tough international competition. India and Qatar have already expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Games, while Saudi Arabia may follow after its 2034 football World Cup. Within Europe, Madrid is seen as the leading potential rival.
The IOC, now led by President Kirsty Coventry, has launched a review of its selection procedures, meaning the next bidding cycle could change significantly. For Munich, that uncertainty could be both a risk — and an opportunity.
