Los Angeles organizers are taking steps to ensure a secure and accessible ticket market as anticipation builds for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. LA28 announced today a comprehensive, multi-platform verified resale program set to launch in 2027, aiming to protect fans from fraudulent tickets and provide confidence when buying or selling tickets after the initial sale. The program will leverage established ticketing giants like Ticketmaster and Sports Illustrated Tickets, alongside existing partners AXS and Eventim, to create a network of verified resale options.
The move comes as millions globally have already registered for the LA28 Ticket Draw, signaling high demand for event access. With the first ticket drop scheduled for April, LA28 is proactively addressing potential secondary market issues. The core principle, according to LA28 Chief Executive Officer Reynold Hoover, is providing “multiple points of access to verified tickets,” ensuring fans have options while safeguarding against scams. This initiative reflects a broader trend in the live event industry towards greater control and security in the resale market, a space historically plagued by counterfeiting and inflated prices.
Building a Secure Resale Ecosystem
The LA28 verified resale program won’t be fully operational until 2027, but the groundwork is being laid now. Currently, primary ticket purchases will be exclusively available through LA28 via its Official Ticket Service Providers, AXS and Eventim. Once the resale program launches, fans will be able to confidently buy and sell tickets through LA28’s Official Secondary Ticket Marketplace, as well as through Ticketmaster and Sports Illustrated Tickets. Crucially, LA28 is warning potential buyers to be cautious: any tickets appearing for resale on other platforms before 2027 have not been verified by the organization.
“We want fans to have the information they demand to shop with confidence as we approach the first ticket drop,” Hoover stated. The program’s design emphasizes a layered approach to security, utilizing the established infrastructure of its partners. AXS, for example, brings a “proven, secure resale infrastructure” to the table, according to AXS Chief Executive Officer Bryan Perez, focused on building trust in every transaction. EVENTIM, which is providing the underlying ticketing platform, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing a commitment to a “secure, reliable, and transparent experience.”
Partnerships and Technology
The inclusion of Ticketmaster and Sports Illustrated Tickets expands the reach of the verified resale program, offering fans more choices. Michael Wichser, Ticketmaster Chief Operating Officer, highlighted the benefit of a broader network, stating it “gives fans more ways to shop for legitimate tickets that abide by LA28’s resale rules.” Sports Illustrated Tickets, a relatively newer player in the market, brings a focus on leveraging technology to enhance the fan experience. David Lane, Chief Executive Officer of Sports Illustrated Tickets, emphasized the importance of ensuring fans can “experience these incredible athletes from around the world.”
The selection of these partners isn’t arbitrary. According to Pollstar’s 2025 rankings, CTS EVENTIM is the second-largest promoter globally, handling over 300 million tickets annually. CTS EVENTIM generated EUR 3.1 billion in revenue across more than 25 countries in 2025. Ticketmaster, a Live Nation Entertainment company (NYSE: LYV), remains the world’s largest ticket marketplace. These established players bring significant experience and resources to the LA28 initiative.
Protecting Fans and Maintaining Market Integrity
The LA28 program is a response to growing concerns about ticket fraud and inflated pricing in the secondary market. While resale platforms can offer convenience, they also present opportunities for scalpers and counterfeiters. By creating a verified network, LA28 aims to minimize these risks and ensure that fans are paying a fair price for legitimate tickets. The program also seeks to protect the integrity of the Games themselves, preventing unauthorized commercial exploitation of event access.
Visa’s role as the Official Way to Pay further reinforces the security measures being implemented. The partnership leverages Visa’s payment technology and fraud prevention capabilities to provide an additional layer of protection for ticket buyers. The LA28 initiative aligns with the broader Olympic movement’s commitment to fan safety and a positive event experience.
For those interested in learning more about ticketing options and the LA28 Games, the official website tickets.la28.org provides comprehensive information. Fans are encouraged to register for updates and familiarize themselves with the official ticketing policies.
As the LA28 Games draw closer, the focus will shift to the initial ticket sales in April. Following that, the organization will continue to refine and implement the verified resale program, with the full launch anticipated in 2027. The next key milestone will be the release of detailed information regarding the ticket draw process and the specific events available for purchase.
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