LA28 study estimates up to $40.6 billion and 224,000 jobs

At a September 15, 2026 news conference, Stephen Cheung and Reynold Hoover announced a LAEDC study commissioned by LA28 estimating the 2028 Olympics could generate $20.5 billion to $40.6 billion in economic output and 126,000 to 224,000 jobs across five Southern California counties. A conservative method projects $20.5 billion to $25.4 billion and 126,000 to 152,000 jobs; a less conservative one reaches $35.4 billion to $40.6 billion and up to 224,000 jobs. Cheung called them "a responsible range, not an exaggerated promise." Hoover said the impact will be "felt far beyond the moment the last medal is awarded." About $8.35 billion in infrastructure spending is already underway. LA28's $7.1 billion budget expects about $5.7 billion spent in the region. Roughly 2 million visitors could generate $1.6 billion to $4.3 billion in Los Angeles County spending, plus more than $5 billion in tax revenue. A separate HR&A report in early September put L.A. County output at $19.2 billion and noted uneven benefits at some sites. What is contested: None between outlets. The dollar and job ranges come from the study's own conservative and less-conservative methodologies, not from conflicting coverage.