Wireless technology and communications firm Cisco has extended its association with the Summer Olympics by signing a deal to become the network equipment partner of the Los Angeles games in 2028.
Through a tie-up with the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games - also extending to Team USA - Cisco carries on its legacy of Olympic partnerships, which includes the Summer games in 2012, 2016, 2020, as well as those set to run across July and August in Paris.
The firm’s networking solutions, it has said, “will be deployed across numerous venues throughout the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area to ensure secure and reliable connectivity for all involved in the LA28 Games.
Casey Wasserman, chair and president of the LA28 organizing committee, has said: “Cisco's leadership in the industry and experience will enable us to provide the best and most seamless experience for our athletes, fans, partners, and community at large.”
In late May, LA28 and the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) announced a multi-year deal with medical apparel brand FIGS.
Through the tie-up, FIGS will outfit healthcare professionals (of which there are over 250) supporting the US Olympic and Paralympic athletes (Team USA), during Paris 2024, and through to LA28.
LA28 will officially begin on July 14, 2028, with the opening ceremony for the Olympic Games, and will run through July 30, while the Paralympics opening ceremony will take place on August 15 and the games will conclude on August 27.
The 2028 games in California will be Los Angeles’ third time hosting the Olympics (previously 1984 and 1932) and the first time hosting the Paralympics.
Earlier this month Reynold Hoover was brought in as the organizing committee’s new chief executive.
Francine Katsoudas, Cisco’s chief people, policy, and purpose officer, added: “We can't wait to use our expertise to securely connect these globally beloved events, leave a lasting positive impact on Los Angeles, and amplify the ideals of organizations like Cisco who seek to foster an inclusive future for all.”
The company has also said it will look to ensure connectivity for local residents beyond LA28, as part of the tournament’s legacy.
Cisco signed on as a partner of the upcoming Paris games in April 2021, as the event’s network equipment, cyber security infrastructure, and conferencing software partner. GlobalData has estimated that tie-up to be worth $20 million in total.
More recently, at the end of May Cisco announced the expansion of its partnership with Formula 1 (F1) motor racing team McLaren.
