By Sarah Kim

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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is teaming up with Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt in a new agreement to ensure the 2028 Olympic Games are a win for both cities, and it looks like they’re ready to play nice for the long haul. The two mayors put pen to paper on a Memorandum of Understanding, promising to share resources, expertise, and facilities in anticipation of a groundbreaking Olympic Games that spreads its wings beyond Los Angeles to include events in Oklahoma City. This so-called “America’s Games” approach aims to redefine sustainability and financial responsibility in the event’s staging, according to the Mayor’s Office.

The concrete details are all about practical collaborations and future legacies. Not only will Oklahoma City’s RIVERSPORT facility be the site of the 2028 Olympic Canoe Slalom events, but the city will also host Olympic Softball — making the most of existing elite facilities. Mayor Holt spoke of the partnership in glowing terms, declaring it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” and thanking Mayor Bass and Los Angeles for their companionship. Mayor Bass, meanwhile, hailed the collaboration as a beacon for sustainable investment that benefits their citizenry for “generations to come,” as per the Mayor’s Office.

All this cooperative spirit comes with a promise of inclusivity and a mutual boost to the local economy. Businesses, particularly those owned by women, minorities, and veterans, can likely expect to see opportunities grow as both mayors have pledged to expand economic avenues in the lead-up to and during the Games. The sharing of “best practices” between cities is another focus, hoping to spur on advancements in health, wellness, human rights, and sustainability.

Mayor Bass brought her own track record to the Oklahoma City meeting, highlighting her work with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, where she has been recognized for efforts to combat homelessness in Los Angeles. One notable initiative, PlayLA—a program already benefiting from Olympic funding—has surpassed one million enrollments and aims to transform youth and adaptive sports across the city, as reported by the Mayor’s Office. Public safety also appears to be improving, with violent crime rates on the decline—possibly raising hopes for a secure and successful 2028 Games.