After Epstein files, Wasserman's survival as L.A. Olympics chief may come down to money - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Dakota Smith

February 24, 2026

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Casey Wasserman's future as the chief of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics hangs in the balance amid concerns over his past ties and the potential financial risks of hosting the event. A former Los Angeles mayor appointee, Wasserman has faced calls for resignation following the discovery of flirty emails he exchanged with Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003. While Wasserman has apologized for the correspondence, which occurred before Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein's crimes were publicly known, his supporters argue that his leadership is crucial for ensuring the Games' financial stability. The Los Angeles 2028 organizing committee (LA28) has backed him so far, emphasizing his role in securing vital sponsorships and relationships. Wasserman's importance to the Olympics' finances cannot be overstated. As a prodigious fundraiser, he has helped secure significant sponsorship commitments, including deals with major brands like Google and Starbucks. These partnerships are critical for offsetting potential cost overruns, as past Olympics have often left host cities with significant deficits. The LA28 Games aim to minimize financial risks by relying on existing infrastructure, such as SoFi Stadium and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, rather than building new facilities. However, substantial costs remain, particularly for transportation and security. Reynold Hoover, CEO of the LA28 committee, has dismissed concerns about sponsorships being impacted by Wasserman's situation, claiming that sponsors are focused on the event itself.

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/24/2026