On March 16, Matt Richtman made history at the LA Marathon, clocking 2:07:56 to claim victory—a momentous win that marked the first time in 31 years an American had topped the podium. The last to do it? Paul Pilkington in 1994. But Richtman didn’t just win—he dominated. He crossed the finish line a full three minutes ahead of his nearest rival, leaving no doubt that he owned the streets of LA that day. But here’s where it gets interesting: Richtman’s triumph wasn’t just a race—it was a preview.
The athlete actually blazed through a course that will largely overlap with the 2028 Olympic marathon route. And while he celebrated his win, he also raised a red flag. “The course, I know they haven’t planned it out yet. It’s probably something similar or at least on similar parts,” he said afterward, hinting that the Olympic marathon course might still be in flux. For an event of this scale, uncertainty over the route—just three years out—could be a cause for concern. But that’s only part of the story. Looming behind the course uncertainty are deeper financial challenges that could shake the very foundation of LA 2028. Recently, LA City Council financial figures were made public, and they paint a worrisome picture. Let’s get deeper.
The budget deficit in the LA City Council is because of multiple reasons
Los Angeles holds a rare and enviable Olympic distinction—it actually turned a profit when it hosted the 1984 Games. However, repeating that financial feat in 2028 may be far more challenging. According to a report published by CNBC’s The Bottom Line on March 29, the city is bracing for a potential $1 billion budget shortfall in the next fiscal year—a stark reminder that even the City of Angels isn’t immune to financial turbulence.
The report reveals that Kenneth Mejia, the city controller, sent a letter to Mayor Karen Bass and the City Council, raising the alarm over rising expenses and declining revenue. Adding to the strain, Los Angeles has been funneling funds into wildfire recovery efforts following the devastating blazes in January. This unexpected drain on resources has only tightened the city’s financial noose. But how does this tie into the 2028 Olympics?
As the report explains, the LA28 organizing committee—the private nonprofit responsible for staging the Games—currently operates with a $6.9 billion budget, sourced from the IOC, sponsorships, and various platforms. On paper, that figure seems robust. Yet, if LA28 were to hit financial turbulence in the coming years, the burden could fall squarely on taxpayers. Under existing agreements, the City of Los Angeles would be on the hook for up to $270 million if LA28’s finances fall short—money that would inevitably come from public coffers. Worrisome? Think again.
For now, the budget appears stable, and no immediate crisis looms. Still, the financial risks are obvious. While a stakeholder has assured that the city’s infrastructure is intact post-wildfires, the looming financial pressure suggests that LA 2028 could become a high-stakes balancing act—one where the line between profit and public debt may be razor thin. But let’s get into the discussion of the infrastructure.
The planning for the LA Olympics has no issue on infrastructure yet
“No infrastructure was significantly impacted, so they are not looking to rebuild anything that was required for the Olympic Games,” Scott Young told The Athletic in January, offering a reassuring glimpse behind the curtain. As the group senior vice president of content, production, and business operations for Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe, Young had a direct line to the IOC’s internal discussions—making his words carry weight. With the confidence of someone in the know, he added, “We have had conversations and there is no noise or discussion right now that it will have any impact on LA 2028.” His statement dispelled any lingering doubts: despite the wildfires’ ferocity, the Olympic infrastructure remained untouched.
January 8, 2025, Pacific Palisades, California, United States: Some shops are destroyed due to the wildfire. The wildfire in Pacific Palisades, which began on Tuesday, January 7th, quickly spread due to the Santa Ana winds in the Los Angeles area. Hundreds of homes and vehicles have been destroyed, and thousands of people have been evacuated. Firefighters have been battling the blaze overnight, but it remains uncontrollable due to the strong winds. As of now, Cal Fire reports that approximate 3,000 acres of land have been affected. Pacific Palisades United States – ZUMAs197 20250108_aaa_s197_107 Copyright: xMichaelxHoxWaixLeex
For LA 2028 organizers, this was a rare silver lining amid the chaos. No costly rebuilding efforts. No disruptions to timelines. The venues and facilities—critical to hosting one of the world’s largest sporting spectacles—stood firm. With the path to the Games unshaken, the focus could remain on delivering an unforgettable event rather than recovering from nature’s fury.
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