BidIndex Update for the 2016 Olympic Bids Released By GamesBids.com

GamesBids.com’s BidIndex, the original and most trusted formula for rating Olympic bids throughout their campaigns. This was the first update since February 14, 2008 and the last before the International Olympic Committee (IOC) selects a shortlist on June 4 in Athens.

BidIndex shows Chicago (60.73, up 0.17) narrowly ahead of Tokyo (60.66, up 0.25) to lead the applicants; former frontrunner Rio de Janeiro (59.90, down 0.92) has dropped to third and Madrid (59.50, up 1.25) stays in fourth while narrowing the gap and boasting the largest increase.
Doha (53.46, up 0.63) remains further back from the top bids despite marking gains since the last update. Lagging behind are Prague (37.17, down 0.42) and Baku (36.43, down 0.42), two bids that have been struggling to find support for their campaigns and to make an impact on the IOC.

The overall results indicate that the 2016 bid is becoming one of the tightest Olympic bid campaigns in recent history with the top four applicants separated by only 1.23 points, less than Madrid’s total margin of increase for this update. There is no clear favorite in this race.
Rumors suggest the IOC might be considering only a three-city short list; if so, the campaign of one of these strong contenders will end next week. But if reason prevails, that list will include at least four and possibly five candidates to even out the competitive field.

Lack of venues, experience and a challenging climate and environment are hurdles for Doha’s bid, but organizers claim these are all manageable and the IOC should be ready for a change and award the Games for the first time to an Arab nation. Strong financial and public support and experience with the 2006 Asian Games keep Doha’s BidIndex score close to the frontrunners, but it may not be enough for the IOC to include them on the short list.

CHI 60.73 0.17
RIO 59.90 -0.92
MAD 59.50 1.25
DHA 53.46 0.63
PRG 37.17 -0.42
BKU 36.43 -0.42