LA Mayor Calls for Resignation of LA28 Chair

Bass says Wasserman should step down from Olympics organizing role

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has called on Casey Wasserman, the chair of the LA28 Olympic organizing committee, to resign from his position. Bass cited concerns over Wasserman's leadership and the preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Why it matters

The LA28 Olympics are a major event for the city of Los Angeles, and the organizing committee chair plays a critical role in overseeing the planning and execution. Mayor Bass's call for Wasserman's resignation suggests growing tensions and doubts about the committee's ability to effectively prepare for the games.

The details

In her remarks, Mayor Bass expressed concerns about Wasserman's management of the LA28 organizing committee and the overall progress of preparations for the 2028 Olympics. She did not provide specific details about the issues, but stated that a change in leadership was necessary to get the organization back on track.

  • Mayor Bass made the call for Wasserman's resignation on February 17, 2026.

The players

Karen Bass

The current mayor of Los Angeles.

Casey Wasserman

The chair of the LA28 Olympic organizing committee, responsible for overseeing preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

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What they’re saying

“Casey Wasserman should step down from his position as chair of the LA28 organizing committee.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles (Straits Times)

What’s next

It remains to be seen how Wasserman and the LA28 organizing committee will respond to Mayor Bass's call for his resignation. The city and organizing committee will need to work quickly to address any issues and ensure a successful 2028 Olympics.

The takeaway

The tension between Mayor Bass and LA28 chair Wasserman highlights the high stakes and challenges involved in hosting the Olympics. Effective leadership and coordination will be crucial as Los Angeles prepares to welcome the world in 2028.