The Hellenic Olympic Committee delegation met with senior leadership of LA Times Media Group (LATMG) at the company’s El Segundo headquarters to discuss opportunities for collaboration and the evolving role of esports within the global Olympic Movement. Conversations centered on how technology, digital innovation, and gaming can advance the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and inclusion for new  generations.

The HOC delegation was led by Mr Isidoros Kouvelos, President of the HOC, with Mr Petros Synadinos, Chef de Mission for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, and Ms Alexandra Karaiskou, Head of the President’s Office. LATMG was represented by Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Chairman & CEO, Mr. Paul J. Foster, President & CEO of the Global Esports Federation and Mr Brent Lowder, Senior Vice President of LATMG.

During the visit, the delegation toured LATMG facilities and recorded an interview and joint statement highlighting a shared vision: strengthening dialogue between traditional sport and emerging digital disciplines while promoting Olympic ideals to wider global audiences through responsible innovation.

As part of the discussion, leaders referenced the recent announcement that Los Angeles will host the 2026 Global Esports World Finals, with LA Times Media Group serving as a host partner—an initiative that underscores Southern California’s leadership at the intersection of sport, entertainment, and technology.

The President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Isidoros Kouvelos, stated:

“Our meeting with the Chairman of the LA Times Media Group, Dr Patrick Soo-Shiong and his team was truly an inspiring exchange of ideas. It confirmed that innovation and tradition can coexist harmoniously within the Olympic Movement. Greece, as the birthplace of the Olympic Games, will always support initiatives that connect technology with the timeless values of Olympism — excellence, respect, and friendship — ensuring that these ideals continue to inspire new generations around the world”

Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Chairman & CEO, LA Times Media Group, said:

“We were honored to welcome President Kouvelos and the delegation from Greece, whose nation is foundational to the Olympic Movement. We look forward to working together to strengthen esports in a manner consistent with Olympic values, and to build greater shared values between countries through sport, competition, and shared community.”

This engagement reflects LATMG’s commitment to convening partners across sport, media, and technology as Los Angeles prepares for LA28 and the growing momentum around global esports events.

About LA Times Media Group (LATMG)

LA Times Media Group unites four complementary businesses, Los Angeles Times, LA Times Studios, NantStudios, and NantGames. Built on the 144-year legacy of the Los Angeles Times and owned by Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong since 2018, LATMG is developing technology-enabled platforms that connect audiences through trusted storytelling, live experiences, and interactive communities.