Los Angeles 2028 organisers have confirmed that at least one million tickets for the 2028 Olympic Games will be priced at $28 (£20.94), making them accessible to a broad range of fans. The announcement comes alongside details of a random ticket draw that will allow fans from around the world to register for the chance to purchase tickets in April 2026.

This is the first time the Olympics will be hosted in Los Angeles since 1984, and organisers have made a deliberate effort to ensure that ticket pricing is inclusive and affordable, in contrast to the highly criticized pricing structure of other major sporting events, such as the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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How the LA28 Ticket Draw Works

Fans can register their interest from 14 January 2026, with no payment required at the time of registration. Those selected in the draw will receive a designated time slot in April to buy tickets for any Olympic sport of their choice.

LA28 chief Allison Katz-Mayfield described the draw as “the fairest way to ensure that the broadest number of people can get access to tickets and that no one is advantaged or disadvantaged.” She added:

“No matter when you go in, whether you’re the first person in or the last person in, you have the same opportunity.”

Registration will remain open until 18 March 2026, and there is no advantage to signing up early, ensuring a level playing field for all fans.

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Ticket Pricing Details

The ticket strategy for LA28 is designed to be significantly more affordable than other recent major sports events:

• All Olympic sports will have tickets available for $28.
• Approximately one-third of all tickets will be priced under $100, offering broad accessibility.
• The $28 tickets are not limited to a few seats at small venues; Katz-Mayfield emphasised that this represents a meaningful number of tickets for fans.

For comparison:

• Tickets for the 2024 Paris Olympics started at €24 (£20).
• By contrast, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has faced criticism for its high prices, with group-stage tickets up to three times higher than the Qatar 2022 World Cup, and the cheapest final ticket costing £3,119.

Fans have expressed concerns over FIFA’s pricing strategy, with Football Supporters Europe calling for ticket sales to be halted and describing the approach as “astonishing.”

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A Commitment to Fairness and Accessibility

Katz-Mayfield highlighted that LA28 is committed to making the Olympic Games accessible to as many fans as possible, especially families and local communities in Los Angeles.

“That’s not just lip service to a couple tickets in the corner of some venue, but a meaningful number of tickets,” she said.

The approach contrasts sharply with recent major sporting events, where ticket accessibility has been limited by price and first-come-first-served models. By using a random draw, LA28 aims to remove barriers and ensure fairness, giving every registered fan the same opportunity to purchase tickets.

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What Fans Need to Know

• Registration opens: 14 January 2026
• Registration closes: 18 March 2026
• Ticket purchase window: April 2026, for those selected in the draw
• No early-bird advantage: Registration order does not influence selection
• Ticket prices: $28 minimum for all sports, with a third under $100

The LA28 organisers hope this strategy will encourage widespread attendance and ensure that the Olympic Games in Los Angeles are celebrated by fans from all backgrounds, not just those who can afford premium prices.