Will Pickleball Be in the Olympics?
- by Dope Pickleball
Quick answer
Pickleball has reached neighborhood parks, dedicated clubs, and professional arenas. The Olympics are a different milestone: pickleball is not on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic program.
Is pickleball included in LA28?
No. The additional sports approved for Los Angeles are baseball/softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse, and squash. Pickleball is not among them. You can see the decision in the IOC's announcement.
Why doesn't rapid growth mean an Olympic place?
Participation is one part of a sport's story. An Olympic program also has to fit a particular Games: its venues, schedule, athlete numbers, and sporting priorities. The host's proposal and the IOC's decisions matter as well.
That is why a busy local court, a professional tournament, or a new international championship is encouraging news for players without being an Olympic announcement.
What would a future announcement look like?
Look for a decision naming pickleball in a specific Olympic Games. A campaign to include it is an effort toward that goal; approval is the milestone that would change the answer.
For now, enjoy the competition that already exists. Local leagues offer regular matches, amateur tournaments give players a new challenge, and professional events give fans plenty to follow.
Curious about trying the sport yourself? Start with our first-game guide, or use our local league guide to find organized play closer to home.
Common questions
Will pickleball be in the 2028 Olympics?
Pickleball is not on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic program. The five additional sports approved for LA28 are baseball/softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse and squash.
Is there a confirmed year for pickleball's Olympic debut?
There is no confirmed Olympic debut year for pickleball. Inclusion requires an official decision naming the sport in a specific Games.
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