The 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games are expected to deliver a substantial economic boost to Southern California, potentially generating over $40 billion in economic output and supporting as many as 224,000 jobs, according to a new analysis prepared for the LA28 Organizing Committee.
The report, released Tuesday by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, also highlighted that Los Angeles will be the first host city since 1948 to utilize existing stadiums and arenas, avoiding the need to construct new permanent venues for the Summer Games.
Instead of new construction, investment will flow into enhancements for transportation infrastructure, airports, mobility, transit centers, fiber networks, and convention facilities. The analysis projects that the Olympics will generate between $20.5 billion and $40.6 billion in economic output, with an additional $8.9 billion to $15.6 billion in labor income and $15.4 billion to $24 billion in added GDP.
Games-related activities are estimated to support between 124,430 and 224,000 jobs, particularly in sectors such as construction, transportation, administrative support, hospitality, and accommodation. The report suggests that nearly 80% of these jobs will require a high school diploma or less.
Infrastructure improvements are expected to be a significant driver of economic activity, with approximately $8.35 billion allocated to transportation, airport, mobility, and venue projects. These include initiatives like Metro's "28 by 28" program, upgrades by Los Angeles World Airports, Long Beach's Elevate28 program, and enhancements to transit centers, fiber networks, and the Los Angeles Convention Center.
An influx of an estimated 2 million visitors from outside the region is anticipated, with their spending projected to contribute between $1.6 billion and $4.3 billion directly to Los Angeles County's economy.
Small businesses are also positioned to benefit, as LA28's procurement goals aim for 75% of addressable spending within the Greater Los Angeles Area and 25% with small businesses. Sectors like construction, event operations, professional services, transportation, hospitality, and administrative services are noted for their local sourcing demands, with many expecting over 80% of their needs to be met locally.
