The 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles now have an official motto: “Stars Align,” a phrase that seeks to represent the convergence of years of preparation, unique opportunities and the collective effort that makes an event of this scale possible. The initiative connects athletes’ ambition with the creativity that defines Los Angeles, while inviting volunteers, partners, communities and fans from around the world to take part in an edition that will mark a new chapter in Olympic history.
The motto was introduced through a short film combining images of the city and its future venues with iconic moments from Olympic and Paralympic history. The initiative aims to convey that the Games are built not only around what happens during competitions, but also through the work of thousands of people who help bring each edition to life. For Casey Wasserman, president of LA28, “Stars Align” is an open invitation to those who have spent years preparing to compete, those who will welcome visitors and those who will cheer on athletes from the stands.
“Stars Align”: when preparation meets opportunity
The central idea behind the motto stems from a moment every athlete knows: when years of training, sacrifice and perseverance meet the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned. Behind every Olympic or Paralympic appearance are personal stories that are rarely seen in full, shaped by daily discipline, obstacles and the determination to keep going even when results seem far away. “Stars Align” seeks to represent that moment when accumulated hard work converges with an extraordinary opportunity, while recognizing those who support athletes along the way.
The message also extends beyond athletes. Organizing the Games requires the participation of volunteers, companies, partners and communities across California and beyond, all of whom play a role in the experience of athletes and spectators. In this sense, LA28 presents the motto as an expression of collective unity, bringing athletic performance together with the cultural identity of Los Angeles, a city internationally recognized for its connection to entertainment and creativity. The initiative seeks to connect these characteristics with the universal reach of the Olympic and Paralympic movement, establishing a distinctive identity for the 2028 edition.
Los Angeles 2028: a historic edition for the Olympic and Paralympic movement
The choice of motto accompanies an edition that holds particular significance in the city’s sporting history. Los Angeles will become the third city to host the Olympic Games three times, following its previous editions in 1932 and 1984. In 2028, it will once again welcome athletes from around the world with an approach that seeks to combine Olympic tradition with the city’s contemporary identity. It will also be the first time Los Angeles hosts the Paralympic Games, adding to the historical significance of the event and placing the participation of athletes with disabilities at the forefront.
The launch of “Stars Align” took place through a 60-second campaign video featuring “Can’t Stop” by Red Hot Chili Peppers, a band with deep ties to Los Angeles. The film brings together urban landscapes, competition venues and highlights from different Olympic and Paralympic editions, connecting the movement’s history with the setting that will welcome the upcoming Games. Alex Merchán, LA28’s chief marketing officer, explained that the goal was to reflect a city that is “bold, optimistic and cinematic,” adding that the motto will come to life over the next two years through the athletes, communities and stories that will shape the event’s preparations.
The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games will take place from July 14 to 30, while the Paralympic Games will be held from August 15 to 27. Throughout this period, “Stars Align” will serve as the guiding theme of an edition seeking to bring together sporting achievement, community involvement and the identity of a city that will once again take center stage on the international scene.
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