The countdown to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games has entered another milestone, with the Organising Committee unveiling “Stars Align” as the official slogan of the Olympic and Paralympic Games on Wednesday, 28 October.

The slogan reflects the moment when years of preparation meet the opportunity of a lifetime, capturing the ambition of athletes who dedicate themselves to reaching the world's biggest sporting stage. It also recognises the volunteers, communities and supporters who will contribute to bringing the Games to life in California.

“Los Angeles has always been a place where big ideas take shape, and the Games remind us what’s possible when the world comes together,” said LA28 Chairman Casey Wasserman. “‘Stars Align’ is a call to be part of that, whether you’re an athlete who has trained for years, a volunteer welcoming the world, or a fan cheering from the stands.”

The campaign was introduced through a 60-second film featuring landmarks across Los Angeles and memorable moments from Olympic and Paralympic history. Set to ‘Can’t Stop’ by Los Angeles band Red Hot Chili Peppers, the film connects the city's identity as a global centre of entertainment and creativity with the ambition and dedication required to compete at the highest level.

For handball, the new slogan comes as preparations continue for the sport's return to Los Angeles, with the Olympic tournaments now less than two years away.

Handball returns to Los Angeles

The LA28 Olympic Games will take place from 14 to 30 July 2028, with the Paralympic Games scheduled for 15 to 27 August. Handball will be among the sports getting under way before the Olympic Opening Ceremony, with the first men's preliminary-round matches scheduled for Wednesday, 12 July.

All handball matches will be played at Long Beach Arena, with the competition running until Friday, 28 July. The published schedule alternates between the men's and women's competitions, beginning with the men on 12 July and the women on 13 July. No handball matches are scheduled for 14 July, the day of the Olympic Opening Ceremony.

The preliminary rounds continue until 22 July, before the knockout stages begin. The men's quarter-finals are scheduled for 23 July, followed by the women's quarter-finals on 24 July. The men's semi-finals will take place on 25 July, with the women's semi-finals following on 26 July.

The medal matches are scheduled for 27 July for the men and 28 July for the women. The women's bronze-medal match and final will bring the handball programme to a close, two days before the Olympic Closing Ceremony.

A return to familiar ground

Los Angeles will host the Olympic Games for the third time, following the editions held in 1932 and 1984. For handball, the Games will mark a return to the city after more than four decades.

At Los Angeles 1984, Yugoslavia won both the men's and women's handball tournaments, securing a historic double on the Olympic stage. In both the men's and the women's competitions, 12 teams will take the stage and fight for the gold medal.