London Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced an ambitious plan to bid for the 2040 Summer Olympics, aiming to make London the first city to host the Games four times, surpassing the three-time record shared with Paris and Los Angeles, as reported by The Peninsula Qatar and The Guardian on April 28, 2025. 

Khan, in his third term since 2016, outlined the vision in an interview with The Times, emphasizing London’s existing infrastructure from the 2012 Olympics, including the London Stadium (now home to West Ham United), the Aquatics Centre, and the Lee Valley VeloPark, as key assets for a cost-effective bid.

Khan proposed a 2029 World Athletics Championships bid as a stepping stone, arguing it would generate momentum and investment in track and field, nurturing future stars like Mo Farah and Paula Radcliffe. The 2012 Games, deemed a logistical and cultural success, transformed East London, and Khan envisions a 2040 bid leveraging those venues while hosting events in other UK regions, such as Manchester or Birmingham, to create a national legacy. The bid requires £45 million from the UK’s Labour government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to launch, per The Guardian.

The International Olympic Committee has confirmed Los Angeles for 2028 and Brisbane for 2032, with Saudi Arabia rumored for 2036, leaving 2040 as London’s earliest opportunity. Khan, inspired by Paris’ 2024 Games, which he attended, believes London can outshine its rival, citing its global appeal and transport network. However, challenges include public funding concerns amid a 4% UK budget deficit and competition from potential bidders like Istanbul or Mexico City, per IOC projections. Khan’s team estimates a £5 billion economic boost, based on 2012’s £9 billion impact, adjusted for inflation.

The mayor’s office has begun consultations with UK Sport and the British Olympic Association, with a feasibility study due by December 2025. Khan emphasized inclusivity, aiming to engage diverse communities and promote grassroots sports. The bid aligns with his broader goal of positioning London as a global hub, though critics argue that funds should prioritize housing and healthcare. If successful, London 2040 would mark a historic milestone, reinforcing the city’s Olympic legacy.