Over the Rose Bowl (Photo – Ted Eytan)
The City of Pasadena’s Economic Development Division is urging local businesses to explore a wide range of procurement and supplier opportunities tied to several major international sporting events coming to the Los Angeles region over the next few years, including Super Bowl LXI, the FIFA World Cup 2026™, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
By News Desk
Although Pasadena is not directly procuring goods or services for these events, city officials are directing businesses to partner agencies and organizing bodies that are currently managing contracting processes. The city is encouraging eligible companies to review available programs and register early to position themselves for potential opportunities.
Super Bowl LXI Supplier Applications Open
The National Football League, in partnership with the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Super Bowl Host Committee, is seeking Los Angeles–based businesses to support Super Bowl LXI, scheduled for February 14, 2027. Applications are now open for the Super Bowl LXI Source Program, which connects qualified businesses with subcontracting and procurement opportunities. The application window closes February 28, 2026.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Seeking Local Vendors
The Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee, working with FIFA’s Local Supplier Program, is also selecting Los Angeles–area businesses to provide goods and services for the global tournament. Opportunities include catering, audiovisual services, and event production. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2026.
LA28 Opens Supplier Registration
Supplier registration is underway for LA28, the organizing committee for the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. LA28 has committed to directing 75% of its spending to local businesses and 25% to small businesses through its Community Business Supplier Program. Registration does not guarantee a contract, but it is required for consideration.
Procurement opportunities for LA28 will also be posted on the Regional Alliance Marketplace for Procurement, a centralized online platform managed by the City of Los Angeles that aggregates public and private contracting opportunities.
Support Programs Available for Small and Diverse Businesses
To help local companies compete for these high‑profile contracts, several technical assistance programs are available at little or no cost. The Small Business Development Center at Pasadena City College offers free consulting and workshops, while the Women’s Business Center provides no‑cost advising for women entrepreneurs in the San Gabriel Valley.
The Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission also operates Business Connect, a program that identifies certified minority‑, woman‑, LGBTQ+‑, person‑with‑disabilities, and veteran‑owned businesses capable of supporting major sporting events. Business Connect supports procurement for NBA All‑Star 2026, the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open, FIFA World Cup 2026, Super Bowl LXI, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Additionally, ProcureLA, run by the Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment, offers free procurement education and connects small businesses with public and private industry stakeholders, supporting both new and established contractors.
Pasadena Encourages Early Action
City officials emphasize that these events represent historic economic opportunities for the region. Pasadena is encouraging businesses to act early, register with relevant programs, and take advantage of available support services to maximize their chances of participating in the global sporting events that will shape Southern California’s economic landscape in the coming years.
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