Although the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles are three years away, preparations have been interrupted by wildfires that recently swept through the city, causing significant destruction and raising questions about the future of the Games. Fortunately, multiple sources report that the fires did not affect the venues designated for Olympic events, although uncertainty lingers regarding the 2028 Games.
According to Dan Sheldon of The Athletic, officials believe LA 2028 remains a viable option. Speaking at a recent roundtable in the UK, Warner Bros. Discovery VP Scott Young shared insights from discussions with the IOC about the upcoming Summer Games. “We have had conversations and there is no noise or discussion right now that it will have any impact on LA 2028,” said Sheldon. He emphasized that no significant infrastructure was damaged, and the focus is currently on assisting those affected and rebuilding homes rather than reconstructing Olympic facilities.
California Governor Gavin Newsom reiterated the state’s commitment to hosting the Olympics during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press earlier this month. However, given the extensive damage, there may be controversy surrounding any public funding allocated for the Olympics. Young notes that such decisions rest with the organizing committee and California’s residents. “We acquire the rights for the Olympic Games and we don’t have a say in where the Olympic Games are held. That’s a debate for those in California and the United States,” he stated.
