Michael Byrnes selected to lead OKC efforts to stage Softball and Canoe Slalom during Los Angeles Olympics 2028

The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber announced leadership for executing Oklahoma City’s efforts to stage two sports in the Los Angeles Olympics 2028. As Oklahoma City’s selection to stage both Canoe Slalom and Softball became official earlier this month, the planning efforts began to move full force ahead. The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber is the entity working directly with LA28 to coordinate this effort.

Michael Byrnes has been selected to lead the program. Byrnes served as President & General Manager of the Oklahoma City Comets since 2010 and brings extensive experience in partnership development, sales and marketing strategy, event execution and more.

With Byrnes now on board, he is working closely with LA28 on developing a go-forward plan for Oklahoma City’s execution. “This is an exciting opportunity to showcase Oklahoma City, our world-class facilities, and our community,” said Byrnes. “We are embarking on something that has not been done before—the unique nature of the partnership to stage two sports at a site 1,300 miles away will require intense cooperation and planning. The approval by the Los Angeles and Oklahoma City governments signals the beginning of our effort,” he continued.

The process ahead begins with LA28, our venues and other key partners to fully develop a scope of work, followed by engaging partners across the community to create our plan of execution.

“I have heard the excitement in the community, and willingness to help, and we are appreciative of that enthusiasm,” said Byrnes. “Our goal is to develop a structure and process to make this an outstanding experience for the athletes, the fans, and our residents. This will be a community-wide effort and one that I believe we will all look back on with a great sense of pride and accomplishment.”

Teresa Rose, Communities Foundation of Oklahoma, and Chair of the Chamber said that “As we have worked with LA28 and the City of Los Angeles getting to this stage, it was clear we needed a proven sports executive with strong ties in our community,” said Rose. “Michael Byrnes checked every box. We are confident he will be able to develop and execute a plan for success.”