The World Games 2021 is now The World Games 2022.

The 10-day international sports event, which was to take place in Birmingham July 15-25, 2021, has been rescheduled for July 7-17, 2022.

The shift — affirmed by the International World Games Association (IWGA) on Thursday morning — was prompted by the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision last week to move the Tokyo Olympics from July 24-August 9, 2020 to July 23-August 8, 2021 over concerns for the health and safety of athletes, coaches, officials, and fans during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Birmingham’s World Games 2021 board of directors voted to approve the postponement on Wednesday afternoon.

The Olympics change made it nearly impossible to hold the World Games as scheduled. While the two events are run by separate entities, the IOC and IWGA use the same broadcast production company (International Sports Broadcasting, which is owned by the IOC) and Swiss Timing, the international sports timekeeping company.

Also, while the sports comprising the World Games are mostly different from those that are part of the Olympics, the events do share two sports: women’s softball and sport climbing (an invitational competition slated to make its Olympics debut in Tokyo). Participating in two elite international competitions in the same year was not feasible, said World Games CEO Nick Sellers.

“When the Olympics moved, it became clear we’d have to make an accommodation,” Sellers said. “It wasn’t an easy decision but it was the right one for our athletes, fans, sponsors and the community. I can’t say enough good things about all of the partners across the state of Alabama for their work and support to set new dates. One of the bonuses is that there will be new and renovated arenas.”

Indeed, postponing the World Games for a year means the Legacy Arena renovation will be complete and Protective Stadium, which is currently scheduled to be completed in time for at least a portion of the UAB Blazers 2021 football season, will presumably be available for the opening and/or closing ceremonies. Both ceremonies were previously to be held at Legion Field.

“We’ll have to wait and see,” Sellers said of any decision to move either ceremony to the new downtown stadium. “No matter what, Legion Field will remain a key venue for us in this movement.”

In early March, Sellers said he was about halfway towards raising the $50 million budgeted cost to produce the event. Current sponsors, he said, have responded positively to the postponement, and he welcomes the additional more time to raise funds.

“More time means more opportunity for all of us to get through the difficult effects of this pandemic,” said Sellers, "more time to engage more sponsors and especially more time to connect with the community and solidify the special bond between the Games, Birmingham, and this state. The World Games Birmingham will be the first major international multi-sport event on American soil as we emerge from this global pandemic. We’ll all be looking to reconnect.

“This gives us more time to get it right.”

The World Games, of course, is not the only sporting event to be affected by the coronavirus. Sports at all levels are currently at a standstill. The National Basketball Association’s 2020 season is suspended as is the Major League Baseball season (Opening Day was supposed to be Thursday, March 26). March Madness, the NCAA’s signature basketball championships, was canceled, as were The Wimbledon Championships, the All-England Club announced on Wednesday.

The city of Birmingham is contributing $3.5 million to the World Games, paying in seven increments of $500,000. About 3,600 athletes from 100 countries were expected to compete in 30 sports at various venues throughout the city.

“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with our healthcare workers and those impacted by COVID-19,” Sellers added. “We will prevail.”