Will revenue flap hurt Chicago's Olympic bid?

The contentious issue could affect Chicago's chances at winning the 2016 Summer Games. Some observers say the festering resentments by other nations over the U.S. share of the Olympic pot could dampen support for an American games.

Speaking at a meeting of Olympic-affiliated groups in Beijing -- which included a contingent from Chicago -- Ueberroth balked at changing the formula that gives the United States Olympic Committee a greater share of Olympic dollars.

Under a long-standing deal with the International Olympic Committee, the USOC receives 13 percent of U.S. TV rights fees and a 20 percent slice of global marketing revenues. The USOC argues that the wealthy U.S. market is a prime driving force behind the success of the Games.

Ueberroth was asked if the USOC gets too much revenue.

"Clearly, no,'' he responded.

This week, 28 Olympic federations -- members of which could vote or influence the 2009 vote on Chicago -- publicly complained about the financial arrangement.

But a Chicago 2016 spokesman downplayed the disagreement.

"We believe that the best bid is going to win," said Chicago 2016 spokesman Patrick Sandusky. Contributing: AP