New CEO for USOPP: John Slusher Takes on Key Role for LA28

The organization of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles has a new leader: the experienced Nike executive John Slusher is taking the helm of the US Olympic and Paralympic Properties (USOPP). This unit is responsible for marketing and selling the commercial rights for both the Games in Los Angeles and Team USA until 2028. In his new role, John Slusher will oversee all revenue associated with LA28 and USOPP. This includes national sponsorship agreements, consumer goods, hospitality programs, and ticket sales. Most recently, Slusher spent 26 years at Nike, where he was responsible for global sports marketing and maintained relationships with athletes and other partners of the sports apparel giant. “John's expertise in the global sports industry is unmatched,” praised Casey Wasserman, President and Chairperson of LA28, lauding the choice. He added that Slusher is an excellent addition to the outstanding team that aims to execute the Games in a way the world has never seen before. The position was most recently held by Kathy Carter, the former CEO of LA28, and has been vacant since her departure in December 2023. The funding for the Los Angeles Games comes from private sources, generated through corporate partnerships, licensing agreements, hospitality programs, and ticket sales, alongside a significant contribution from the International Olympic Committee. The event, which already took place in the Southern California city in 1932 and 1984, is set to proceed with a budget of $6.9 billion. Los Angeles plans to use existing sports facilities and university campuses to keep costs under control.