LA Could be Likely U.S. Bidder for 2024 Olympic Games

If the United States is going to bid for the 2024 Olympics, that bid will come from Los Angeles, the U.S. Olympic Committee confirmed on Wednesday.

The announcement followed a USOC board of directors meeting at the Denver International Airport.

"We continue to think that a U.S. bid for the 2024 Games can be successful," said USOC chairman Larry Probst. "The board authorized CEO Scott Blackmun to work with Los Angeles to explore the viability of a potential bid for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We hope to finalize terms that benefit both the city of Los Angeles and the Olympic Movement in the United States so that we can submit a world-class bid to the IOC by its September 15 deadline."

Wednesday's announcement came just over two weeks after the USOC and Boston 2024 jointly ended the campaign for Boston to bid for the 2024 Games.

In a statement, Mayor Eric Garcetti said his office has had "very positive discussions with the United States Olympic Committee" about how Los Angeles can present a strong bid.

"The LA Olympics would inspire the world and are right for our city," he said. "The Games would unite our communities, generate significant economic benefits, and with our world-class venues, be affordable and profitable like they were in 1932 and 1984. I look forward to our continuing our conversation with the USOC in the weeks ahead."

Los Angeles hosted the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games.

Blackmun noted that 81 percent of people in Los Angeles support the city bidding for the 2024 Games.

The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic host city will be selected in Summer 2017.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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