The Olympics and McDonald's used to go together like a hamburger and fries.
They are no longer a combo.
In a surprise move, the International Olympic Committee announced Friday it was ending its Olympic sponsorship deal with the fast-food giant three years before it was supposed to expire — severing a relationship that dated to 1976.
No financial details were released, though as part of the IOC's top-tier program, McDonald's signed a contract extension in 2012 that was reportedly worth about $200 million.
Much of that will be replaced by new sponsors in new categories. The IOC has new deals with Bridgestone, Toyota and Alibaba. The Sports Business Journal reported that Intel is set to announce a deal with the IOC next week , and a person familiar with the negotiation confirmed that to The Associated Press. That person was not authorized to speak publicly because the deal has not been announced.
IOC marketing director More