USOPC 'Quite Confident' of LA28 Progress Despite Ticket Sales Uproar

Olympic officials praise LA28 organizing committee amid frustration over high ticket prices and chairman's ties to Epstein scandal.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:22am

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A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of bright colors and angular shapes, conceptually representing the chaotic and multifaceted nature of Olympic ticket sales.The complex, fragmented process of securing tickets for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics reflects the organizing committee's ongoing efforts to balance fan demand and accessibility.Los Angeles Today

Despite fan backlash over high ticket prices and concerns about LA28 chairman Casey Wasserman's ties to the Epstein scandal, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee officials expressed confidence in the organizing committee's progress with just over two years until the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Why it matters

The ticketing issues and Wasserman controversy have added to the controversy surrounding LA28's preparations, but the USOPC's support suggests the organizing committee is still on track to deliver the Games despite the public relations challenges.

The details

LA28 leaders, including CEO Reynold Hoover and revenue chief John Slusher, briefed the USOPC board on the ticket sales process, the Games' branding, and over $2 billion in sponsorship deals. While fans have complained about high prices, service fees, and limited availability, the USOPC said LA28 is 'thinking very, very seriously about how to manage the ticket activity.' The organizing committee plans to release more tickets later this year after a record-breaking first week of local sales.

  • LA28 opened ticket sales in April 2026, a little over two years before the Games.
  • The first week of sales 'significantly exceeded' previous Olympics, LA28 said.
  • Global ticket sales opened on April 9, 2026, with continued issues like website glitches and limited availability.
  • LA28 expects to have a second ticket release later in 2026, but has not provided specifics.

The players

LA28

The private organizing committee responsible for bringing the 2028 Olympics to Los Angeles for the first time in four decades.

Reynold Hoover

The chief executive officer of LA28.

John Slusher

The chief executive officer responsible for revenue at LA28.

Gene Sykes

The chair of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) board of directors.

Casey Wasserman

The chairman of LA28 who faced backlash after being mentioned in the Epstein files.

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What they’re saying

“We were quite encouraged to hear from them, and quite confident in the direction of LA28 from an operational standpoint.”

— Gene Sykes, USOPC Chair

“I know they're thinking very, very seriously about how to manage the ticket activity so that it satisfies everybody.”

— Gene Sykes, USOPC Chair

What’s next

LA28 plans to release more ticket details and hold a second ticket sale later in 2026, though specific dates have not been announced.

The takeaway

While the ticketing issues and Wasserman controversy have created public relations challenges, the USOPC's confidence in LA28's operational progress suggests the organizing committee is still on track to deliver a successful 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.