After Boston ended its Olympic bid yesterday, USOC officials are "expected to renew talks" with L.A., which now is "seen as the clear favorite to be the U.S. candidate" for the '24 Games, according to a front-page piece by David Wharton of the L.A. TIMES. USOC officials in January told L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti that his city was out of the running for '24, but if the mayor was "still bothered by last winter's defeat -- or the idea of being a second choice -- it did not stop him from jumping right back into the fray." Garcetti said, "I would be happy to engage in discussions with the USOC about how to present the strongest and most fiscally responsible bid on behalf of our city and nation." Wharton notes the USOC is "expected to contact" the two other U.S. finalists -- S.F. and DC -- but those cities "finished well behind in the first board of directors vote." If the U.S. "wants to move forward with a substitute candidate, it must notify" the IOC by mid-September. L.A.'s proposal "emphasizes affordability, with a majority of events held at existing venues such as Staples Center, Pauley Pavilion and a potentially renovated Memorial Coliseum." An NFL stadium "could also come into play" by '24. This sports infrastructure "could make the financial guarantees included in the IOC's host-city contract less worrisome and would fit with Agenda 2020, a series of reforms that, among other things, seek to make the Games less expensive to host" (L.A. TIMES, 7/28). The WALL STREET JOURNAL's Futterman & Kamp note USOC CEO Scott Blackmun and Wasserman Media Group Chair & CEO Casey Wasserman, who led the L.A. bid, "have a close professional relationship." The L.A. bid "had the support of several top USOC staff members in January, but the USOC’s board of directors ultimately made the decision, and several members of that body had strong connections to the Boston area" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 7/28).
BABY WHAT A BIG SURPRISE: The AP's Eddie Pells wrote there is "still time to save face," and Blackmun and USOC Chair Larry Probst "likely will make quick phone calls" to leaders in L.A. such as including Garcetti and Wasserman. A move by the USOC to DC or S.F. "would come as a surprise." IOC Exec BOD member Sergei Bubka of Ukraine said that he "believes it's important" for the U.S. to bid. Bubka: "Los Angeles has great history, lots of experience. We will respect their decision" (AP, 7/27). In Boston, John Powers writes L.A. "always was the saner, simpler choice," and is the committee's "only choice" now. Powers: "The question is why L.A., after having been snubbed six months ago, would want to bail out the Olympic brass in Lausanne and Colorado Springs, who shoulder most of the blame for this Expressway pileup" (BOSTON GLOBE, 7/28). 3 WIRE SPORTS' Alan Abrahamson wrote the IOC "has made it abundantly clear to the USOC that it wants an American bid" for '24. The IOC, and "in particular key influencers within the movement, are keen" on a U.S. effort. The issue now is "whether the USOC board will pick up the signals that have been delivered in every which way to its senior leadership -- and go with L.A." (3WIRESPORTS.com, 7/27). In California, Scott Reid writes an L.A. bid "would portray a vibrant and diverse world-class city that has reinvented itself and revitalized its downtown corridor" since last hosting the Games in '84. Another "major point of emphasis" with an L.A. bid would be the "absence of the political and governmental hurdles and public opposition that played leading roles in derailing the Boston bid" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 7/28).
DISTRICT LINES: In DC, Dave Sheinin notes the local group bidding for the '24 Games -- which had "largely disbanded since losing in January -- released a statement that was non-committal about its intentions." A source said that throughout yesterday afternoon, DC 2024 leaders were "in discussions with USOC leadership to gauge the newly shifted landscape before deciding whether to renew its bid" (WASHINGTON POST, 7/28).
TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF: The CP's Paola Loriggio noted talk of a third Toronto Olympic bid "has followed the city’s successful Pan Am Games, which wrapped up Sunday." Toronto Mayor John Tory said that he "wants to let the dust settle before making a decision, adding that officials will conduct a 'careful analysis' to determine whether a bid is in the city’s best interest." Tory: "This is a serious, rational decision that has to be made" (CP, 7/27). In Boston, Rocheleau & Levenson note Toronto hosting the Pan Am Games "could improve its chances" against other cities vying for the '24 Games. Former IOC VP Dick Pound said that there was "only 'tepid' support in Toronto to host the Pan Am Games, but those games 'were carried off extraordinarily well,' boosting public support for an Olympics there." Toronto has not previously hosted the Olympics (BOSTON GLOBE, 7/28). Tory said that Toronto would "win transit improvements and enhanced social housing by hosting an international sporting spectacle like the Olympics." Tory: "I intend to engage in broad consultation, beginning with members of city council, with regards to what we should do (about) the Olympic bid." Tory added that he will "make a final decision after consulting with the business community, labour groups sporting organizations and members of the public" (TORONTO SUN, 7/28). But in Toronto, Lorrie Goldstein writes under the header, "We're Dumber Than Boston." Long before the "final bill is in ... many who stand to gain political prestige or jobs from a Toronto Olympic bid are yapping." Goldstein: "We're being spun, people" (TORONTO SUN, 7/28).
SALT OF THE EARTH: Fraser Bullock, who was the COO of the Salt Lake City organizing committee in '02, said the city stands "ready to host the Games any time." He said that it could be as soon as '26 if the USOC does not select another U.S. city to pursue the '24 Games. Bullock: "2026 makes a lot of sense, and I think the USOC would be ready to pursue that. But I think their top priority is 2024." He has said that Salt Lake City "could be ready to host an Olympics in about half the usual seven years" needed (DESERET NEWS, 7/28).
