Casey Wasserman became chairman of LA28 because he was already deeply connected to the project as a prominent Los Angeles sports and entertainment executive, and the organizing committee chose him to lead the 2028 Olympic effort. LA28’s public materials identify him as the chairman of LA28 and CEO of Wasserman, and reports say the board has continued to back him in that role after reviewing concerns raised in early 2026.
How he got the role
- He is the founder and CEO of Wasserman, a major sports and entertainment agency, which gave him strong industry and sponsorship credibility.
- He is a Los Angeles native with extensive local influence and experience in sports business and civic fundraising.
- LA28’s executive committee has said it supports his continued leadership and cited his long-running work on the Games.
What “chairman” means here
The LA28 chairman is the public-facing leader of the organizing committee, not an elected government office. In practice, that means overseeing strategy, fundraising, partnerships, and coordination for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
Recent context
In 2026, Wasserman faced renewed scrutiny over references to him in Jeffrey Epstein-related files, but LA28’s board review concluded he should stay on. Media reports said Mayor Karen Bass urged him to step down, but Wasserman said he had not considered resigning.
Plain-English answer
So, the short version is: he did not “become chairman” through an election or public vote; he was chosen because of his business profile, local standing, and leadership role in the LA28 bid and organizing effort.
TL;DR
Casey Wasserman is LA28 chairman because the organizing committee selected him to lead the 2028 Los Angeles Games, and he has remained in the role despite recent controversy.