Discover the 7 must-see sports, world-class athletes, and iconic Southern California venues that will define the Games
The 2028 Summer Olympics are coming home to Los Angeles, and it's set to be the biggest Games in history. With 36 sports across 49 venues throughout Southern California, LA28 will showcase world-class competition against the stunning backdrop of beaches, mountains, and Hollywood glamour.
We've identified the 7 must-see sports that will deliver the most unforgettable moments, featuring legendary athletes chasing Olympic glory on American soil. Here's your ultimate guide to the events you can't miss.
LA 2028 Quick Facts
- Opening Ceremony: July 14, 2028 at SoFi Stadium
- Closing Ceremony: July 30, 2028
- Sports: 36 sports, 51 disciplines
- Medal Events: 351 (a record!)
- Venues: 49 competition venues across 18 zones
- Historic First: More female athlete quota spots (5,655) than male (5,543)
Basketball
USA Basketball: The Quest Continues
Intuit Dome, InglewoodBasketball at LA28 will be electric, but Team USA faces a changing of the guard. LeBron James (who will be 43) and Stephen Curry (40) have both indicated they won't compete, with LeBron stating he'll be "watching from Cabo" and Curry saying he "highly doubts" playing.
This opens the door for a new generation of stars to carry the torch in front of a home crowd at the brand-new Intuit Dome, the Clippers' $2 billion state-of-the-art arena.
Stars to Watch
International Threats
Without the veteran superstars, Team USA may face its toughest challenge yet. Canada brings MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Serbia has three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, Greece features Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Slovenia stars Luka Doncic. The gold medal is no longer guaranteed!
New for LA28: The 3x3 basketball tournament expands to 12 teams per gender, up from eight at Paris.
Artistic Gymnastics
Will Simone Compete in Her Fourth Games?
Crypto.com Arena, Downtown LAThe biggest question in gymnastics: Will Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history with 7 Olympic medals (including 4 golds), compete in her fourth Olympic Games?
Biles has left the door open, saying "I'm not sure what 2028 looks like, but I will be there in some capacity. I just don't know right now if it's on the floor or in the stands."
What Biles Has Said
"I'm really enjoying my time off before I decide if I want to go back to the gym and compete. A lot of people think it's just a one-year commitment but it truly is the four years leading up to the Olympics."
At 27 in Paris, she became the oldest Olympic all-around winner in 72 years. She'd be 31 in LA, and no American gymnast has ever competed in more than three Games.
Rising Stars to Watch
New for LA28: A mixed-team event makes its Olympic debut in artistic gymnastics!
Swimming
Racing to History at SoFi Stadium
SoFi Stadium, InglewoodIn a historic schedule swap, swimming moves to the second week of competition at LA28, with a temporary pool installed inside the spectacular SoFi Stadium. The $5 billion venue will create an atmosphere unlike any swimming competition in Olympic history.
Stars to Watch
Katie Ledecky on LA28
"I would love to compete in 2028. It's in Los Angeles. It would be incredible to swim on home soil in front of a home crowd. That's something that not every athlete gets an opportunity to do."
New Events for LA28: Olympic debuts of the 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, and 50m butterfly! The total program expands to 41 swimming events.
Track & Field
America's Track Renaissance at the Historic Coliseum
LA Memorial ColiseumTrack and field returns to the iconic LA Memorial Coliseum, which hosted athletics in both 1932 and 1984. In another historic schedule change, athletics moves to the first week of competition, with the women's 100m kicking off Day 1!
American track is experiencing a golden era, and the stars are ready to shine on home soil.
Stars to Watch
Sha'Carri's Message
"Track and field is having its moment, and the road to LA28 is about to be something special, especially for the women's sprints. The talent, energy, and competition... it's all going to shine."
New for LA28: The mixed 4x100m relay makes its Olympic debut, allowing potential doubles for stars like Lyles and Richardson!
Tennis
Grand Slam Stars on Olympic Courts
LA Tennis Center, CarsonTennis at LA28 will feature the sport's biggest names competing for Olympic gold at the state-of-the-art LA Tennis Center in Carson, built specifically for the Games.
Stars to Watch
Olympic Tennis History
Carlos Alcaraz won silver at Paris 2024, falling to Novak Djokovic in the final. Coco Gauff captured doubles gold. Both will be in their prime at LA28, hungry for individual Olympic glory!
Beach Volleyball
California Dreaming at Alamitos Beach
Alamitos Beach, Long BeachBeach volleyball returns to its spiritual home! The sport that epitomizes California culture will be contested on the sands of Alamitos Beach in Long Beach, with the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop.
After April Ross's retirement following three Olympic medals, a new era of American beach volleyball begins. World champions Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes are regrouping with new partners for LA28.
Stars to Watch
USC Connection
Cheng and Hughes won 103 straight matches together at USC, capturing NCAA titles in 2016 and 2017 before becoming world champions. Though now with different partners, both will be fighting for gold on home sand!
Equestrian
Return to Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park, ArcadiaEquestrian returns to Santa Anita Park for the first time since the 1984 Olympics! This historic venue in Arcadia features a grandstand seating 26,000 and infield space for 50,000 spectators across its stunning 320 acres.
All three Olympic equestrian disciplines - dressage, eventing, and show jumping - will be contested, with 200 athlete quota spots across the events.
Stars to Watch
Competition Schedule
Equestrian will be the first sport in action! Eventing horse inspection begins July 14 (Opening Ceremony day), with the first medals awarded July 18. Jumping concludes the calendar on July 29.
Unique Fact: Equestrian is the only Olympic sport where men and women compete as equals from grassroots to Olympic level!
Complete Venue Guide
| Sport | Venue | Location | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basketball | Intuit Dome | Inglewood | 18,000 |
| Artistic Gymnastics | Crypto.com Arena | Downtown LA | 20,000 |
| Swimming | SoFi Stadium | Inglewood | 70,000+ |
| Track & Field | LA Memorial Coliseum | Exposition Park | 78,000 |
| Tennis | LA Tennis Center | Carson | TBD |
| Beach Volleyball | Alamitos Beach | Long Beach | 12,000 |
| Equestrian | Santa Anita Park | Arcadia | 76,000 |
"Super Saturday" - Day 15 (July 29, 2028)
Mark your calendar! LA28's "Super Saturday" will feature 26 finals sessions across 23 sports, including basketball, beach volleyball, equestrian (jumping final), and swimming. It will be one of the most action-packed days in Olympic history!
Be Part of Olympic History in LA!
Don't miss your chance to witness the world's greatest athletes compete in America's most iconic city. Secure your tickets now for the biggest Summer Games ever!
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will be a celebration of sport, culture, and American spirit. With iconic venues from the Coliseum to the beaches of Long Beach, world-class athletes chasing dreams, and the backdrop of Southern California sunshine, LA28 promises memories that will last a lifetime. Start planning your Olympic adventure today!
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