On October 16, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially approved the addition of five sports to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics: baseball/softball, cricket, lacrosse, squash, and flag football.
While some of these, like baseball, softball, and lacrosse, are making a return to the Olympic lineup, squash and flag football will debut on this prestigious platform for the first time.
Which five new sports could be at the 2028 Olympic Games?
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IOC President Thomas Bach highlighted the significance of these sports, stating, “These five additions resonate deeply with the sports culture of the United States. They not only bring international sports into the U.S. but also introduce uniquely American sports to the global arena.”
Many sports, such as running, high jump, and wrestling, have roots in ancient Greece and have been part of the modern Olympic Games since their inception in 1896. However, over the past century, the Olympics have evolved to reflect global societal changes. This adaptability ensures the Olympics remain relevant, embracing new sports as cultures and preferences shift over time.
The IOC plays a pivotal role in determining which sports are included. To qualify, a sport must first be governed by the Global Association of International Sports Federations. It must also adhere to the Olympic Charter, follow anti-doping regulations, and comply with measures to prevent match manipulation. Further evaluation is based on criteria such as existing facilities, the sport’s global community, and its capacity to promote gender equality.
In 2014, the IOC introduced the Olympic Agenda 2020, which emphasized spreading Olympic values and integrating popular sports. While the final decision on specific sports rests with each host city's organizing committee, the agenda has paved the way for fresh additions. For instance, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics included surfing, karate, sport climbing, skateboarding, and baseball/softball.
When considering new sports, organizers must adhere to three key limitations: additions should not significantly increase the number of participating athletes, host cities must have the infrastructure to support the new sports, and the overall cost of the Games must remain manageable.
The Impact of Olympic Inclusion
Earning Olympic recognition is a prestigious milestone that many sports strive to achieve. Recent IOC initiatives to incorporate emerging sports have allowed numerous disciplines to gain international attention. The Los Angeles Olympics will continue this trend by introducing squash and flag football.
Squash, originating in 19th-century Britain, has evolved into a global sport with professional leagues in over 100 countries. Meanwhile, flag football, which began as a recreational game among U.S. soldiers during World Event II, has grown into a popular activity across North and South America. The addition of women’s flag football has further expanded opportunities for female athletes in the sport, signaling its potential to become a mainstream activity worldwide.
The Return of Baseball, Softball, and Lacrosse
Lacrosse, which briefly appeared in the 1904 and 1908 Olympics, and baseball, first introduced in 1904, are both set to return. Baseball became an official Olympic sport in 1992 after years as a demonstration event. Similarly, softball debuted in the 1996 Olympics before being removed alongside baseball in 2012. Both sports made a one-time comeback at the Tokyo 2020 Games and are now returning in 2028.
Fisher Johnson, a baseball player from the University of Southern California, highlighted the significance of baseball’s inclusion in the Olympics, noting that the sport is a source of pride for many nations. He emphasized that its return will elevate its global popularity and importance.
Softball, too, has profound implications for its players and fans. Professional softball player Makena Smith remarked on the positive impact Olympic inclusion will have on the sport’s growth. She believes that showcasing softball on an international stage will highlight its competitive and entertaining aspects, inspiring global audiences to embrace it as passionately as she does.
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are set to bring fresh energy and broader appeal to the Games by celebrating both returning favorites and groundbreaking new sports.
