Why did the City Controller issue a subpoena to LA28?

The City Controller issued the subpoena to obtain detailed financial records and contracts from LA28, which he believes are contractually owed to the city and necessary to assess financial risks.

What is the city's financial liability for the 2028 Olympics?

The city is obligated to cover the first $270 million in losses if the Olympics do not break even, and any losses exceeding $540 million, with the state covering the next $270 million.

City Controller Subpoenas 2028 Olympic Organizers for Financial Records

Los Angeles City Controller Kenneth Mejia issues a subpoena to LA28, demanding detailed financial information and contracts related to the 2028 Summer Olympics.

2026-10-16 · Updated 2026-10-16

Los Angeles City Controller Kenneth Mejia has issued a subpoena to the organizers of the 2028 Summer Olympics, LA28, demanding access to the organization's financial records. The legal demand includes requests for bank statements, venue construction plans, and details on contracts with outside vendors.

This action follows LA28's rejection of a previous request for similar information made by Mejia's office approximately two and a half weeks prior. Mejia stated that the information is contractually obligated to be provided to the city under the 2021 agreement governing the relationship between LA28 and the host city.

LA28 spokesperson Jacie Prieto Lopez indicated that the organization had not yet received the subpoena and therefore could not provide a formal response. She expressed disappointment, suggesting that the city's actions were diverting attention from the essential work of preparing Los Angeles for the Games.

Mejia emphasized his responsibility to protect taxpayer dollars and assess the city's financial exposure from hosting the Olympics. The subpoena aims to ensure transparency regarding spending and revenue as the city could be liable for significant losses if the Games do not break even, with the city covering the first $270 million and any amount over $540 million.

Previous reviews by The Times and city officials have noted that LA28's annual reports have sometimes provided vague or incomplete information, particularly concerning venue progress and contracts exceeding $1 million. LA28 had previously cited potential competitive and partnership risks as reasons for withholding some contract details.

FAQ

Why did the City Controller issue a subpoena to LA28?: The City Controller issued the subpoena to obtain detailed financial records and contracts from LA28, which he believes are contractually owed to the city and necessary to assess financial risks.
What is the city's financial liability for the 2028 Olympics?: The city is obligated to cover the first $270 million in losses if the Olympics do not break even, and any losses exceeding $540 million, with the state covering the next $270 million.