LA Mayor Karen Bass, LA28 Chief Casey Wasserman on ’28 Olympics Plans

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and LA28 chief Casey Wasserman recently discussed their early planning for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games during a panel at the CNBC x Boardroom: Game Plan conference in Santa Monica. Wasserman addressed allegations made by the U.K. tabloid Daily Mail in August, dismissing them as baseless and reaffirming his commitment to his role with LA28 despite the controversy.

Bass clarified the city’s strategy for managing transportation during the Games, emphasizing their goal to limit the number of cars driving to Olympic venues rather than imposing a blanket ban on car use. She drew parallels to the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, where measures were taken to reduce traffic congestion by scheduling truck deliveries at night.

Reflecting on the success of the recent Paris Summer Games, both Bass and Wasserman praised the city’s inclusive approach to hosting the event, engaging the entire community and reigniting the spirit of the Olympics. They expressed their intention to follow a similar path in Los Angeles, leveraging the region’s cultural diversity and creative talent to create a memorable experience for participants and spectators.

The panel also featured insights from Grant Hill, managing director of Team USA basketball, and actor-entrepreneur Jessica Alba, who highlighted the cultural significance of events like the Olympics and the opportunity to involve Hollywood’s creative community in shaping the Games. Hill noted the presence of Snoop Dogg as a cultural ambassador for the Olympics, symbolizing progress and inclusivity.

In addition to discussions about the Olympics, the conference touched on the changing landscape of sports media, with MLB commissioner Rob Manfred addressing the challenges faced by regional sports networks and emphasizing the importance of adapting to new streaming technologies. NBC Sports president Rick Cordella shared the success of NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Paris Summer Games, particularly on the Peacock streaming platform.

Overall, the panel provided valuable insights into the planning and preparation for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, highlighting the city’s commitment to hosting a successful and inclusive event. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting journey towards the Games.