7x Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger has inspired countless individuals through his amazing bodybuilding and fitness journey. ‘The Austrian Oak’ continues to train and eat well, despite being at the tough age of 76 years old. Considering the huge influence that Arnold had back in the day, it only made sense to introduce a sports festival named after the bodybuilding legend. 

Arnold Sports Festival is a four-day-long event that comprises various strength sports and a renowned bodybuilding show ‘Arnold Classic.’ Introduced in 1989, Arnold Classic is the second most-watched bodybuilding show after Mr. Olympia. Amidst all the criticism that Mr. Olympia LLC has been receiving lately due to high PPV prices, Schwarzenegger has recently made an exciting announcement about the upcoming Arnold Classic. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s announcement regarding Arnold Classic 2024

As the Mr. Olympia 2023 has recently kicked-started, many fans from the bodybuilding sphere have expressed their concerns regarding the PPV package being too expensive. While last year’s PPV prices cost $69.99 for users living in the U.S., the price for this year has been updated to $74.99. Arnold has been open about the fact that he was even told not to offer more prize money than Mr. Olympia by IFBB. However, in a recent turn of events, Schwarzenegger announced, using his Instagram, that the live streaming for the upcoming Arnold Classic would be free. 

Held annually in Columbus, Ohio, Arnold Classic is scheduled to take place on Feb. 29-March 3, 2024. Sharing a montage of clips from the previous Arnold Classic contest, Schwarzenegger’s caption read, “My goal has always been to grow the sport of bodybuilding, and I want everyone to be able to watch and be inspired by the Arnold Classic, no matter how much money they have, so this year the livestream will be free.”

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But why was Schwarzenegger asked not to offer more money than Mr. Olympia LLC? Let’s take a look.

Arnold Schwarzenegger opens up about his deal with Ben Weider

During his time with Nick Miller from Nick’s Strength and Power, Arnold Schwarzenegger admitted that Ben Weider, who founded the IFBB along with his brother Joe Weider, approached ‘The Austrian Oak’ and told him that in exchange for making the Arnold Classic as an official IFBB Pro show, Schwarzenegger has to agree to not offer a greater prize pool than Mr. Olympia.

Schwarzenegger stated, “The IFBB came along…Ben Weider said we have to have an agreement for you to be sanctioned by the IFBB as an official IFBB competition. I said what is the agreement. He said to me, says you cannot offer more money than we offer for the Olympia.”

Read More: Survivor of 3 Heart Surgeries, Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals How He Is Holding Up With Family’s Health Curse at 76: “Cannot Train Anymore as Heavy”

Due to these restrictions, Schwarzenegger had to agree to stay within the boundaries set by IFBB. However, it seems that he is doing all he can to make the sport more visible to the public. What are your views on the exciting announcement from Arnold Schwarzenegger regarding the next Arnold Classic? Let us know in the comments.