Warner Bros. Ranch to Host LA28 Olympic Broadcast Center
In a strategic shift for the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, the organizing committee has decided to reposition the International Broadcast Center. Initially slated for Inglewood’s Hollywood Park Studios, the central media hub will now be established at Warner Bros.’ The Ranch facility in Burbank. This significant alteration, sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee, aims to leverage The Ranch’s extensive infrastructure, including its numerous soundstages, to accommodate the global media presence expected during the Games. Preparations for this monumental undertaking are set to commence in early 2027, marking a pivotal moment in the logistical planning for LA28.
The decision to relocate the International Broadcast Center (IBC) to Warner Bros.' The Ranch was finalized by the International Olympic Committee’s executive board in June. This move supersedes previous plans announced in May of last year, which had designated Hollywood Park Studios in Inglewood as the primary media hub. The original intention was for Hollywood Park Studios, a new development adjacent to SoFi Stadium, YouTube Theater, and the NFL Media office building, to host broadcasting rights holders such as NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Discovery. However, a comprehensive reevaluation led to the current change, with The Ranch offering a more suitable and expansive environment for the complex broadcasting operations.
Warner Bros. Discovery’s President of Global Experiences and Studio Operations, Simon Robinson, expressed enthusiasm for the new arrangement, emphasizing that hosting the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games’ International Broadcast Center is a testament to Warner Bros.’ century-long legacy in creative storytelling and its dedication to the entertainment community. The Burbank facility, which formally expanded its operations as a major studio lot in March, will provide state-of-the-art resources for the thousands of broadcasters anticipated to cover the Summer Games.
While The Ranch in Burbank will serve as the main IBC, the LA28 organizing committee has clarified that Hollywood Park Studios in Inglewood will still play a crucial, albeit supplementary, role. It will support various operations related to the Games, indicating a collaborative effort across multiple venues. Shana Ferguson, LA28's chief of sport and games delivery officer, highlighted The Ranch’s suitability as a purpose-built production campus. She noted that it will enable Media Rights Holders and Olympic Broadcasting Services to effectively capture and disseminate the defining moments of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games to a global audience.
This reconfigured plan for the International Broadcast Center underscores the dynamic nature of large-scale event planning and the importance of adapting to best utilize available resources. The collaboration between the LA28 committee and Warner Bros. is poised to deliver a cutting-edge broadcasting environment for the 2028 Summer Games, promising an immersive experience for viewers worldwide. The strategic integration of facilities like The Ranch and Hollywood Park Studios demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to managing the multifaceted demands of a global sporting event, ensuring that Los Angeles is well-prepared to welcome the international broadcast community.
