This time, mass is said. History is written. She won't change anymore. Paris will organize the Summer Games in 2024, after a century-long wait. Los Angeles would inherit the Olympic flame four years later. Thomas Bach and the IOC succeeded. Two winning cities, not a single loser.
The scenario had been written since mid-July and the validation by the extraordinary session of the IOC, in Lausanne, of the principle of a double vote 2024-2028. The last breath of suspense was swept away on Monday July 31, in the middle of the evening, by the announcement from the IOC, then from Los Angeles, of an American candidacy for the 2028 Games.
In this three-way game, which began several weeks ago, the outcome was no longer in doubt. It was still necessary to preserve the form. In short, give the two competing cities the opportunity to declare themselves victorious. In the case of Paris, nothing could be simpler. The French capital was a candidate for the 2024 Games, only the 2024 Games. It will have them. Bingo. The French won. They are victorious.
For Los Angeles, the terrain looked less clear. How can we present as a victory an option that could be perceived as a second choice? Easy: by changing the title of the race. On Monday July 31, the IOC and Los Angeles announced in their very contrasting ways that the Californian metropolis was now a “candidate for the Summer Games in 2028”. Forgotten, the 2024 Games. The Californians have changed path, they are now applying for another event, the following Olympics, for which they are the only ones in the running. They too won. They are victorious. Bingo.
Eric Garcetti, the mayor of Los Angeles, had predicted an agreement by the end of the week. He was overtaken. A little after 18 p.m., Monday July 31, the IOC press service announced via a very enigmatic email, sent to the media, the imminence of an announcement. Then the LA 2024 team took over, about an hour later, with a press release explaining that the mayor of Los Angeles, accompanied by the bid chair, Casey Wasserman, and the president of the city council, Herb Wesson, would take local time (17 a.m. in Paris and Lausanne), at the StubHub Center Stadium, to discuss the Olympic and Paralympic candidacy.
Later in the evening, the IOC chose a classic format to explain that Los Angeles had “announced its candidacy for the 2028 Olympic Games”: a press release posted on the home page of its website. “The International Olympic Committee is pleased to release the 2028 Host City Contract today following the declaration of candidacy for the 2028 Games by the Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Bid Committee,” writes the organization chaired by Thomas Bach. It is stipulated in this contract that the IOC would contribute to the organizing committee's effort for a total value estimated at $1,8 billion. »
As expected, the IOC agreed to an extension. Its contribution to the Games budget in 2024 was set at $1,5 billion. For the 2028 edition, a bonus of $300 million will be granted to Los Angeles. The organization also says the funds will be paid over “a longer period” and will support a dedicated youth sports program in the city. According to several sources, the IOC would sign a first check for $180 million to the organizing committee as soon as the Games were officially awarded. A $160 million fund would be allocated to a youth sports program.
As a bonus, the Californians were granted authorization to market the national marketing rights for the Games in 2028 in categories not covered by the IOC TOP program. “A set of financial conditions that would be difficult to refuse,” Eric Garcetti suggested last week. “I can look anyone in the eye and assure them that the financial deal is the most advantageous there is,” the Democratic mayor confirmed Monday evening.
Well versed in the art of communication, the Californian team presented the news as a success. Logic. Eric Garcetti and Casey Wasserman spoke of a “big victory,” for Los Angeles but also for the IOC. “I am proud to announce that the Olympic Games are returning to America,” explained the mayor. In 2028, we will bring the Games back in 2028. The city has always been able to change the Games, this will be the case again in 2028.”
A Los Angeles City Council meeting on Friday, August 4, is expected to discuss the new conditions of the application. It should be formally approved early next week.
On Monday, July 31, the announcement of Los Angeles' candidacy for the 2028 Games was broadcast live on the LA 2024 Facebook page. At the same time, the Californian team was adjusting the numbers in its campaign logo, on its Facebook and Twitter accounts, replacing 2024 with 2028. Mass is said.
