Jan. 05--The International Olympic Committee will open bidding for the 2024 Summer Games -- a process that will include a new "invitation" phase -- late next week.
As the kickoff approaches, the U.S. Olympic Committee is continuing to weigh four potential American applicants, including Los Angeles. A decision could come within days.
Under the IOC's new procedure -- ratified as part of a reform package -- bid cities will have the opportunity to meet with Olympic officials for informal discussions before proceeding with a more detailed campaign.
The change is aimed at cutting costs.
"We can already see strong interest around the world in those Games," IOC President Thomas Bach said in a New Year's statement released on Monday.
Boston, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., are competing with Los Angeles to be the sole American bidder.
