Samsung did not end its partnership with the International Olympics Committee

After the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, there were various viral claims circulating, as often happens with major events. One of them is circulating around a major mobile phone brand, Samsung. It says Samsung has ended its partnership and dropped out of $1 billion advertising campaigns with the International Olympics Committee. However, after conducting research and checking with reliable sources, Fact Crescendo found the above claim is misleading.

This is about our investigation of this claim.

Social Media Claim

Recently, one of the Facebook pages posted and shared a claim that rocks the users that Samsung has withdrawn its partnership collaboration with the International Olympics Committee after the opening ceremony happened in Paris. Such claims have been circulated multiple times, eliciting mixed reactions and expressions from users.

The following snapshot captured from the Facebook page above shows Samsung’s logo along with a text claiming the company has dropped out of its advertising campaigns with IOC.

Facebook Post | Archived Link

Similarly, the above claim was also found and posted on Facebook recently, with multiple reactions and shares by the users. The user claimed “Samsung Drops Out of $1 Billion Advertising Campaign with Olympics”.

Facebook Post | Archived Link

The above claim has also been seen and published by other Facebook users, which has led many other users to question whether this news is real.

Facebook Post | Archived Link

Such claims have also been posted and published by Essports recently with the title that says “Breaking: Samsung Drops Out of $1 Billion Advertising Campaign with Olympics, “They’ve Gone Woke”.

Essports Link | Archived Link

Given the claim’s extensive dissemination and the considerable attention it has received from the internet community, we believed it was necessary to perform a fact-check on the above subject.

Fact Check

Fact Crescendo has started debunking the above claim and verifying the above claim through reliable sources especially with the recent and latest news from Samsung and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

As per this article published, there hasn’t been a widely reported incident where Samsung ended a $1 billion Olympics sponsorship specifically over issues related to the opening ceremonies. Samsung has been a significant sponsor of the Olympics, but the details of any specific dispute or reason for ending a sponsorship would typically be covered in news reports or official statements from the company.

According to the official Olympics website, Samsung and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) extended their global partnership through to 2028. This extension demonstrates the ongoing commitment between Samsung and the IOC to support the Olympic Games and contribute to the success of the event through various sponsorship initiatives.

The partnership typically involves Samsung providing technological support and innovation, which aligns with their brand's focus on cutting-edge technology and global reach. This extension indicates that both parties see continued value in their collaboration and are committed to working together in future Olympic Games.

Samsung continues to be a prominent partner in The Olympic Partner (TOP) program, which is the IOC’s highest level of sponsorship. This program includes only a select group of global partners who support the Olympics across all editions and in all Olympic sports. Samsung's ongoing presence in this program highlights its significant role and commitment to the Olympic Movement.

There hasn’t been any announcement from Samsung indicating that their sponsorship has been revoked, it would suggest that their partnership with the IOC remains active.

Olympics Link | Archived Link

Also, Samsung has been a Worldwide Partner of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) since 2006. This partnership underscores Samsung’s commitment to supporting the Paralympic Games and promoting inclusivity and accessibility in sports.

The collaboration with the IPC involves providing technological support and resources, similar to their role with the Olympics. It helps enhance the overall experience for athletes, spectators, and broadcasters. By extending this partnership, Samsung continues to play a significant role in advancing the reach and impact of the Paralympic Games, aligning with its broader corporate values and social responsibility goals.

Olympics Link | Archived Link

How Samsung connected the world through the Olympic Movement

Samsung has played a significant role in connecting the world through the Olympic Movement in several impactful ways:

1. Technological Innovation: Samsung has provided cutting-edge technology to enhance the Olympic experience. This includes supplying smartphones, tablets, and other devices that facilitate communication and broadcasting. For instance, Samsung has been involved in delivering advanced broadcasting solutions, including 4K and 8K video technology, which helps bring the Games to audiences worldwide with high-quality visuals.
2. Digital Engagement: Samsung has utilized its technological prowess to create digital platforms and applications that engage fans globally. This includes interactive apps that offer real-time updates, virtual experiences, and immersive content related to the Olympics. These tools help fans stay connected with the Games, regardless of their location.
3. Brand Integration: As a Worldwide Olympic Partner, Samsung's branding is prominently featured in various Olympic venues and broadcasts. This visibility helps create a global connection between the brand and the Olympic Movement, reaching millions of viewers and participants.
4. Youth and Community Engagement: Samsung has been involved in initiatives aimed at engaging young people and communities through the Olympic Movement. Programs and campaigns that focus on promoting sports and Olympism values, often leverage Samsung’s technology to reach and inspire younger generations.
5. Support for Athletes: Samsung’s partnership extends to supporting athletes by providing them with the latest technology to enhance their training and performance. This support helps athletes stay connected and perform at their best during the Games.
6. Collaborative Projects
   : Samsung has been involved in various collaborative projects with the IOC and other Olympic stakeholders to advance the overall Olympic experience. This includes working on technological upgrades for Olympic venues and contributing to the digital infrastructure needed to host a global event.

Through these efforts, Samsung has significantly contributed to enhancing the global reach and impact of the Olympic Games, making them more accessible and engaging for audiences around the world.

YouTube Link | Archived Link

It appears that the claim about Samsung ending its Olympic sponsorship was indeed based on a satirical source. According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Samsung remains an active sponsor as part of The Olympic Partner (TOP) program.

Satirical websites often publish fictional or exaggerated stories for entertainment, which can sometimes be mistaken for factual news. For accurate and reliable information regarding sponsorships and partnerships, it's best to refer to official statements from the IOC or Samsung’s corporate communications.

Reuters Link | Archived Link

Conclusion

Fact Crescendo found that the above claim posted on social media is misleading. As per this article published, Samsung did not end its partnership with the International Olympics Committee and extended its collaboration until 2028.