Krekorian to Oversee LA’s 2026 World Cup, 2028 Olympics
LA Taps Veteran Councilmember to Steer 2026 World Cup,2028 Olympics
Los Angeles,CA – As the city gears up for a whirlwind of major sporting events,Mayor Karen Bass has tapped veteran City Councilmember Paul Krekorian to lead the charge. Krekorian, who steps down from his council seat Sunday due to term limits, will assume the role of executive director of the city’s Office of Major Events.This newly created position puts Krekorian at the helm of ensuring the 2026 world Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games deliver positive economic impacts for Los Angeles.He will serve as the primary liaison between Bass’ office and LA28, the private group organizing and funding the Games.
“We need a point person on the Olympics,” bass said Thursday. “We have to get ready, and I feel like we’re running a little bit behind.”
Krekorian brings a wealth of experience to the role. He previously served as council president and lead the powerful Budget and Finance Committee for several years, guiding the city through the 2008 recession and the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bass praised Krekorian’s “institutional memory” and “sound judgment,” highlighting his success in overseeing the city’s finances.
Balancing Risks and Rewards
Hosting the Olympics is a significant financial undertaking for Los Angeles. While the city hopes to reap the benefits of increased tourism and economic activity, it also faces potential risks.
Under an agreement reached several years ago, the city is responsible for the first $270 million in potential losses if the Games fail to generate sufficient revenue.
Krekorian acknowledged the financial risks but emphasized the city’s limited control over the Games’ planning and execution.
“The City Council can vote on venue changes,and LA28 will reimburse the city for some services,but the planning and execution of the events falls to LA28,” he said.
learning from Paris
To prepare for the 2028 Games, Krekorian and other city officials visited Paris earlier this year to study that city’s experience hosting the 2024 Summer Games.
Inspired by Paris’ model, Krekorian plans to create a dedicated department within the city government to focus on Olympic preparations.
He also aims to increase clarity around the Games’ financing, recognizing the city’s vested interest in their success.
Navigating a New Political Landscape
Krekorian’s appointment comes at a time of political uncertainty,with the incoming Trump governance potentially impacting federal funding for major events like the World Cup and Olympics.
While expressing concerns about the Trump administration’s stance on California, Krekorian remains optimistic about securing federal support for the Games.
“I’m hopeful the Trump administration will see the prospect that the Games present and will continue to be supportive of what we’ll be doing,” he said.
Krekorian’s new role marks a significant shift in his career, but his experience and commitment to Los Angeles position him well to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by these global sporting events.
Interview with Paul Krekorian, LA’s New Head of Major Events
NewsDirectory3: Councilman Krekorian, congratulations on your new role as Executive Director of the City’s Office of Major Events. Can you tell our readers what this new role entails and what your main priorities will be?
Paul Krekorian: Thank you.It’s an honor to serve Los Angeles in this new capacity. My job is to ensure the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games are prosperous and deliver positive economic impact for our city.This is a complex undertaking, and my primary focus will be coordinating efforts between Mayor Bass’s office and LA28, the organizing body for the Games.
NewsDirectory3: Mayor Bass mentioned that the city is “running a little bit behind” in its preparations. What are some of the key challenges you anticipate facing?
Paul Krekorian: Certainly, there’s a lot of work ahead. One key challenge is managing the significant financial risks associated with hosting an event of this magnitude. While there’s potential for economic benefits from increased tourism and activity, we need to be obvious about the potential downsides and ensure we have measures in place to mitigate those risks.
NewsDirectory3: LA28 is a private group, and there have been discussions about the city’s level of control over the Games’ planning and execution. Can you shed some light on that dynamic?
Paul Krekorian: That’s right,LA28 is leading the planning and execution. However,the city Council has a role to play in approving venue changes,and LA28 will reimburse the city for certain services. My role is to be the primary point of contact, ensuring clear interaction and coordination between all parties involved.
NewsDirectory3:
Your team recently visited Paris to learn from their experience hosting the 2024 games. What were some key takeaways you’ll be applying to Los Angeles?
Paul Krekorian: Paris provided a valuable model for us. We plan to create a dedicated department within the city government focused specifically on Olympic preparations. Learning from Paris’s experience with infrastructure, logistics, and community engagement will be crucial to our success.
NewsDirectory3: how do you view the potential impacts of the incoming trump administration on federal funding for major events like the World Cup and Olympics?
Paul Krekorian: While there are valid concerns about the Trump administration’s stance on California, I remain optimistic that they will recognize the economic and cultural significance of these games and continue to provide support. I’m committed to working collaboratively with all levels of government to ensure the success of these events.