Pickleball's Place in the 2028 Olympics: A Real Possibility?
The rise of pickleball has been nothing short of meteoric, with participation numbers growing by leaps and bounds across the U.S. and internationally. The sport, once limited to recreational play in retirement communities, has transformed into a global movement with professional tournaments, celebrity endorsements, and even serious discussions about its inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. But can pickleball make the leap from local courts to the Olympic stage? The possibility, while exciting, comes with its own set of challenges.
Let’s explore the current efforts to include pickleball in the Olympics, the hurdles it must overcome, and what it could mean for the sport’s future if it secures a spot in one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
A Global Surge in Popularity
Pickleball has taken the U.S. by storm, with more than 9 million active players in the country as of 2023, according to the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP). But the game isn’t just confined to North America. Interest in pickleball is spreading internationally, with countries in Europe, Asia, and South America seeing a surge in players, new courts, and organized tournaments.
International growth is key for pickleball’s Olympic hopes, as a sport must be played by men and women in at least 75 countries on four continents (for men) and 40 countries on three continents (for women) to be considered for Olympic inclusion. While pickleball is not quite there yet, organizations like the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) are working tirelessly to expand the sport’s footprint across the globe.
The Push for Olympic Inclusion
The conversation around pickleball’s Olympic debut is heating up as the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles approach. Advocates for the sport see the L.A. Games as the perfect opportunity for pickleball to make its case for inclusion. Given its U.S. roots and growing popularity, it seems fitting that pickleball’s Olympic aspirations could come to fruition on American soil.
Efforts to include pickleball in the Olympics have gained momentum in recent years. The IFP, along with national pickleball federations, has been lobbying the International Olympic Committee (IOC), hosting international tournaments, and working to meet the requirements needed for consideration. In 2021, pickleball took a significant step forward by becoming a recognized sport under the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF), a key milestone toward eventual Olympic inclusion.
The Hurdles Ahead
Despite the growing momentum, several challenges remain before pickleball can secure a spot in the Olympics. The most pressing obstacle is the sport’s limited global reach. While pickleball is booming in the U.S. and Canada, it still needs to establish a more robust presence in regions like Europe, Asia, and Africa to meet the IOC's criteria for international participation.
Another challenge is competition from other sports. The Olympics have strict limits on the number of sports and events they can host, and many established sports, as well as newer contenders like esports and breakdancing, are vying for inclusion. Pickleball will need to stand out in a crowded field to convince the IOC that it deserves a spot on the Olympic program.
Moreover, the IOC is placing increasing emphasis on youth engagement, sustainability, and urban appeal when selecting new sports for the Games. While pickleball is highly accessible and appealing to players of all ages, it must position itself as a youthful, exciting, and inclusive sport to align with the Olympic movement’s future vision.
Celebrity Backing and Media Attention
The pickleball community isn’t fighting for Olympic inclusion alone. The sport has attracted significant celebrity investment, with athletes like LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Kevin Durant investing in professional pickleball teams. This star power has helped pickleball gain media attention and grow its professional leagues, adding credibility to its Olympic aspirations.
Media coverage of pickleball has also skyrocketed in recent years, with major networks like ESPN and CBS Sportsairing professional matches and tournaments. This increased visibility is crucial for positioning pickleball as a sport with mass appeal that can draw global viewership.
What Would Olympic Inclusion Mean for Pickleball?
If pickleball were to secure a spot in the 2028 Olympics, it would be a game-changer for the sport. Olympic inclusion would elevate pickleball’s status, bringing it to a global audience and attracting even more players, sponsorships, and media coverage. The ripple effect would likely include expanded youth programs, more international competitions, and increased infrastructure development for pickleball courts and facilities worldwide.
For players and fans, Olympic recognition would validate pickleball’s legitimacy as a competitive sport. It would also open the door for the sport’s top athletes to compete on the world’s biggest stage, showcasing their skills to millions of viewers.
However, even if pickleball doesn’t make it into the 2028 Games, the push for Olympic inclusion has already raised the sport’s profile and accelerated its growth worldwide. The sport’s trajectory shows no signs of slowing, and the future looks bright for pickleball regardless of its Olympic fate.
Conclusion: The Olympic Dream
Pickleball’s quest for Olympic inclusion reflects the sport’s incredible rise from a casual game to a global phenomenon. While there are still significant hurdles to overcome, the possibility of seeing pickleball on the Olympic stage in 2028 is closer than ever. Whether or not pickleball makes the cut, its journey toward Olympic recognition has already cemented its place as one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
With continued international expansion, celebrity backing, and media attention, pickleball’s future looks promising. And who knows? Come 2028, we might just be cheering for gold medalists in the sport of pickleball on the Olympic stage.