Speedo Relocates to Long Beach to Capture 2028 Olympics, Swimwear Brand Reshapes North American Headquarters

As the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics approach, it is reshaping the economic map of the U.S. West Coast. Long Beach, leveraging its status as an Olympic host city, has successfully attracted internationally renowned brands. Recently, Speedo’s parent company, Pentland Brands, announced it will relocate its North American headquarters from Orange County to Long Beach, with the move expected to be completed this summer. This decision not only reflects the Olympics’ magnetic effect on the local economy but also marks a turning point for Long Beach as it shifts from an oil-based economy to a diversified development model.

Olympic Boost Spurs Sports Brands to Focus on Long Beach

Pentland Brands announced it will move its North American headquarters from its 69,000-square-foot office in Cypress to Aero Long Beach, a new facility covering 25,000 square feet. The UK private company manages multiple fashion and sportswear brands, including Berghaus and Endura. Speedo, its core swimwear brand, will establish an operations center with over 130 employees at the new headquarters.

This new facility is more than just office space; it is a strategic hub for the Speedo brand on the global stage. According to the company, this move will position Speedo at the center of the world’s most prominent sporting events. Bo Martinez, director of Long Beach’s Economic Development Bureau, praised the decision, calling it a strong endorsement of the city’s efforts to expand its economic base, create high-quality jobs, and foster an environment for innovative businesses.

The new office will feature a Speedo dedicated showroom, collaborative workspaces, and product development areas. This means that the research and design of swimwear—from swimsuits to bikinis—will be conducted in Long Beach during the Olympics, closely integrating brand innovation with the Olympic stage.

Long Beach 2028 Olympics Layout: 11 Events, Seven Venues, Billions in Investment

Speedo’s decision reflects Long Beach’s rising status as a hub for water sports. According to the city’s April announcement, during the 2028 Olympics (July 14–30), Long Beach will host 11 events, with water sports playing a key role.

These water events include coastal rowing, open water swimming, beach volleyball, sailing, synchronized swimming, and water polo, along with sports climbing, handball, and shooting. The seven venues for these events include temporary facilities, the historic Long Beach Sports Arena (used during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics), and Marine Stadium, built in 1932 specifically for rowing competitions.

Long Beach will also host seven Paralympic events from August 15 to 27. City Council member Daryl Supernaw expressed excitement about Speedo’s move, calling it a perfect addition to diversify the local economy and strengthen the city’s rich water sports tradition.

To prepare for the Olympics, Long Beach has invested heavily. In 2023, the city announced over $900 million in infrastructure projects over five years, with about $200 million dedicated to Olympic-related initiatives. Mayor Rex Richardson stated that the Olympics are not only a sporting event but also a crucial opportunity for the city to break free from long-term reliance on oil revenues and build a diversified economy.

How Speedo Became the Olympic Swimwear Icon Since 1928

Speedo’s history with the Olympics dates back nearly a century. Founded in 1928 by Scottish immigrant Alexander MacRae, the brand’s Racerback swimsuits ushered in the modern era of swimwear. As early as the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, Speedo’s swimsuits caused controversy—Australian swimmer Clare Dennis was criticized for wearing a designer’s innovative, shoulder-baring suit. Despite the controversy, the complaint was not upheld, and Dennis went on to win gold in the 200-meter breaststroke, cementing Speedo’s reputation for innovation.

In the 1990s, the current parent company, Pentland Brands, acquired Speedo International and Speedo Australia, unifying the global swimwear business. To prepare for the postponed Tokyo Olympics, Pentland Brands purchased Speedo North America from PVH Corp. for $170 million, marking a strategic reorganization of the brand’s North American presence.

Today, Speedo is a major Olympic sponsor, with deep partnerships with national swimming organizations in the U.S., Canada, China, Australia, and other countries. By establishing its North American headquarters in the host city of the 2028 Olympics, Speedo seamlessly connects its rich history, innovative spirit, and the Olympic stage.