Is Pickleball Going to Be in the 2028 Olympics?
One of the major questions for pickleball enthusiasts is whether the sport will make its Olympic debut by the 2028 games in Los Angeles. The push for Olympic inclusion has been growing, with many players and governing bodies working towards this goal.
Is There Pickleball in the 2024 Olympics?
Pickleball was not part of the 2024 Olympics in Paris. However, the continued growth of the sport and its increasing popularity worldwide may make future inclusion a possibility.
In recent years, pickleball has become one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing sports globally. Born in the 1960s, this unique blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong has rapidly evolved from a backyard game to an organized sport played by millions across the globe. As participation skyrockets and professional tournaments gain visibility, the question becomes ever more pressing: could pickleball become an Olympic sport? In this comprehensive exploration, we’ll examine the requirements for a sport to join the Olympic roster, the current progress pickleball has made toward that goal, and what it might take to see pickleball players compete for gold medals in the greatest international competition on Earth.
A Brief History of Pickleball
Pickleball was invented in 1965 by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum on Bainbridge Island, Washington, USA. What began as a spontaneous effort to entertain bored children using makeshift paddles and a perforated plastic ball quickly grew in popularity among local families. The simple setup, combined with its accessibility for players of all ages, made pickleball a hit. Over the years, it has gradually grown into an organized sport with professional players, governing bodies, and a passionate fanbase.
The growth of pickleball has been particularly impressive over the last decade. With millions of players participating regularly, pickleball is now recognized in countries from the United States and Canada to Japan, India, and many European nations. It is no longer a niche sport—pickleball is truly global. As with many burgeoning sports, a natural next step is to aim for inclusion in the Olympics, the ultimate showcase for athletic excellence and international competition.
Olympic Inclusion: Criteria and Process
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) follows strict criteria for adding new sports to the Olympic program. The international Olympic movement code and the Olympic charter provide additional context for the inclusion process. The process of inclusion is complex, but understanding it is crucial for assessing pickleball’s chances of one day joining the ranks. Let’s break down what the IOC requires:
International Recognition: A sport must have widespread participation and be governed by an international body recognized by the IOC. This means that the sport should be played globally and include member federations in multiple countries and continents.
Global Popularity: The IOC looks for sports that have a broad international appeal, spanning a variety of age groups and genders. The number of athletes, tournaments, and national governing bodies, as well as regional popularity, all play a role in assessing whether a sport meets this standard.
Governance and Regulations: A well-established sport must have standardized rules, a transparent governance structure, and an anti-doping policy in line with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). This ensures fairness and consistency, promoting the integrity of the sport.
Historical Precedence and Sponsorship: Although not strictly required, the IOC often looks for evidence of historical success in events like the World Games, the Asian Games, or the Pan American Games. Sponsorship interest and media coverage also weigh heavily in the decision, as the Olympic Games are a commercial event that relies on viewership and marketability.
Suitability for Olympic Broadcasting: The sport must have a spectator-friendly format that is easy to understand, can be enjoyed by viewers in a variety of settings, and has a visually appealing aspect for television broadcasts.
Where Does Pickleball Stand?
Pickleball has made incredible strides in meeting some of the above criteria. However, a realistic assessment of its journey to the Olympics reveals both its strengths and areas in need of development. Let’s delve into how pickleball aligns with these key requirements and what obstacles still stand in the way.
1. International Recognition
To gain a spot in the Olympics, a sport needs global recognition. Pickleball, while largely associated with North America, has indeed been growing globally and is now widely practiced across many regions, including at least four continents. The sport’s international appeal continues to expand as more governing bodies are established. Countries like India, Japan, Spain, and Australia have experienced considerable growth in pickleball participation. The International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) is the governing body that oversees the sport’s global expansion, and currently has over 70 member countries.
However, pickleball still faces challenges in international recognition, especially in regions like Africa and parts of Europe, where the sport is still in its infancy. Gaining the membership of more national federations in these areas is essential for pickleball to fulfill this criterion.
2. Global Popularity
The rise in pickleball’s popularity is undeniable, especially in North America. In the United States alone, there are reportedly over 5 million players, and the numbers continue to climb year after year. Canada has also embraced the sport, and many European countries have seen growth, particularly among young athletes and older adults.
Nevertheless, the IOC requires balanced gender representation and growth across many continents. While there are signs of increasing popularity in countries like India and Japan, pickleball is not yet ubiquitous across the globe. More focused efforts on building a presence in underrepresented regions are crucial if pickleball aims to match sports like badminton, cricket, lacrosse, and squash in international appeal.
3. Governance and Regulations
The IFP has done well in setting up standardized rules and regulations that align with international sports norms, and has established a governing body that ensures compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code. The United States Pickleball Association (USAPA) has also been instrumental in maintaining consistency, which helps legitimize pickleball as a sport fit for global competition.
Additionally, efforts have been made to adhere to anti-doping policies through alignment with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). As pickleball grows more competitive and international tournaments become more frequent, continued vigilance on anti-doping compliance will be a key factor in proving its readiness for the Olympic stage.
4. Historical Success in Multi-Sport Events
Pickleball has yet to appear in major multi-sport competitions like the Asian Games or Pan American Games, which are often considered proving grounds before an Olympic debut as a demonstration sport. Inclusion in such events would significantly enhance pickleball’s credibility in its pursuit of becoming an official sport in the Olympics. The inclusion of a sport in these events demonstrates its legitimacy and helps showcase its competitive potential to the IOC, often acting as a demonstration sport.
To improve its chances, pickleball needs to secure a place in one of these events. Efforts are underway by the IFP and other regional pickleball organizations to have pickleball included in events like the Commonwealth Games or the World Games, which would provide valuable exposure.
5. Broadcasting Appeal
Pickleball’s fast-paced gameplay, compact court size, and dramatic rallies make it highly watchable and suitable for Olympic broadcasting. The sport’s suitability for television and online streaming provides an opportunity for widespread support from both spectators and potential sponsors. The sport’s accessibility is also an advantage, as players of all skill levels can relate to the challenges faced on the court. These factors could translate well for TV broadcasts and streaming platforms, as spectators enjoy easy-to-understand rules, short matches, and frequent exciting moments.
However, to gain Olympic status, pickleball needs even more polished production values during broadcasts of major events. Tournaments like the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour have started to show the sport on major networks like CBS Sports and ESPN, which are promising signs. Broadcasters will need to continue expanding their coverage to help the sport grow its fanbase and show the world that pickleball deserves a place at the Olympics.
Challenges and Obstacles
While the potential is certainly there, pickleball faces several challenges before it can join the Olympics:
Lack of Historical Presence: Olympic sports generally have a deep history of international competition. Pickleball, being relatively new, lacks the pedigree of traditional racket sports like tennis or badminton. Overcoming this will require decades of sustained international success and recognition.
Demographic Imbalance: While pickleball’s rapid rise in popularity among both young and older adults is commendable, the sport is still disproportionately represented by players from North America. For the IOC, a balanced representation across continents is key, and thus efforts to expand in Asia, Africa, and Europe will be important for pickleball’s bid.
Competition for Inclusion: Many sports are vying for a spot in the Olympics, and there’s limited room on the schedule. Sports like karate, squash, and wushu have long sought Olympic recognition without success. Pickleball will have to not only meet the IOC’s requirements but also outperform other contenders in terms of popularity, marketability, and logistical ease of inclusion, such as flag football, cricket, and squash.
Financial and Sponsorship Requirements: Securing enough funding and sponsorship support is also a barrier. While pickleball has attracted sponsorship deals, especially in North America, a strong financial backing from international sponsors will further help pickleball make a compelling case for Olympic inclusion.
Pickleball’s Recent Strides Towards Olympic Inclusion
Despite these challenges, pickleball has made substantial progress toward its Olympic aspirations. A number of initiatives have helped bring pickleball closer to global recognition and Olympic consideration:
Formation of International Organizations: The IFP has done commendable work in promoting pickleball at an international level. By collaborating with regional bodies like the European Pickleball Federation and the Asian Pickleball Open, the IFP is pushing for a global expansion and increasing awareness about the sport.
Participation in Global Events: Pickleball has gained entry into smaller-scale international sporting events such as the Maccabiah Games, where it has been a popular addition. These events help prove pickleball’s appeal and viability as an international competition sport.
Professional Tournaments and Growth of the Pro Circuit: The growth of professional pickleball is crucial in making a case for the sport. Events like the PPA Tour, Major League Pickleball (MLP), and the APP (Association of Pickleball Professionals) Tour have created a professional structure that mirrors those seen in tennis and other racket sports. This professional growth helps show that pickleball is not only a recreational activity but also a sport with a high skill ceiling and worldwide appeal.
Community Engagement: Grassroots efforts have also been important. Local clubs around the world, community centers, and schools have been introducing pickleball to people of all ages, creating a foundation of players that will be crucial for the sport’s continued growth. Such efforts demonstrate pickleball’s potential to grow into a universally recognized and widely played sport.
The Future Path for Pickleball
For pickleball to achieve its goal of Olympic inclusion, several strategic moves must take place to ensure international appeal and recognition by the Olympic committee:
Increase International Membership: The IFP and other governing bodies need to prioritize expanding their membership by promoting the sport across more countries, particularly in underrepresented regions. More countries with established governing bodies will help build pickleball’s international footprint and demonstrate its widespread appeal to the IOC.
Broaden Participation at Elite Events: Pickleball must aim for inclusion in major multi-sport events like the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, or World Games. Such events would help establish its credentials as an international sport worthy of Olympic inclusion. Regional competitions like the European or Pan American Pickleball Championships could also help build credibility.
Expand Professional and Amateur Tournaments: Expanding the number of professional tournaments outside North America and improving visibility in Europe, Asia, and Latin America will show the IOC that pickleball has broad international appeal. Hosting major events in a variety of countries will help establish a strong competitive presence.
Support Youth and School Programs: To ensure sustained growth, pickleball must be embraced by younger generations, with support from the pickleball community to build a strong and diverse player base. Programs promoting pickleball in schools and youth leagues will help secure its future and build a new generation of international athletes.
Strengthen Broadcasting Presence: More pickleball events should be broadcast, with a focus on making the sport more accessible through television and online streaming platforms. Enhanced production values and accessible commentary will go a long way in showcasing the sport’s appeal and building a larger global fanbase.
Achieve Balanced Global Representation: For pickleball to achieve Olympic recognition, it needs to grow beyond its current regional strongholds. More outreach and initiatives targeting new markets in Africa, Asia, and South America will be needed to ensure balanced participation and representation, making the sport more diverse and inclusive.
The Dream: Pickleball in the 2032 Olympics?
What Are the New Olympic Sports for 2028? The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles will see several new sports added to the roster. While pickleball is still striving for its inclusion, other sports like flag football, cricket, and lacrosse have gained momentum in their bids. The competition for new sports slots is fierce, but pickleball’s growing popularity makes it a strong contender for future games.
While pickleball’s Olympic debut might still be some time away, the idea of seeing players compete for medals on an international stage no longer feels entirely out of reach. Many are curious if pickleball will be among the new sports added to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Many pickleball players are hopeful that this dream will soon become a reality. Realistically, given the complexities of the IOC’s selection process and the competition from other sports, 2032 could be a target year for pickleball’s Olympic consideration—if its current trajectory continues.
Olympic inclusion would provide not only validation for the millions of pickleball enthusiasts around the world but also serve as a springboard for the sport’s continued global expansion. Seeing athletes from diverse countries competing at the highest level would be a monumental moment for pickleball, cementing its place alongside established racket sports like tennis, table tennis, and badminton.
The journey ahead will require a concerted effort from the IFP, national pickleball federations, local clubs, and professional athletes. All stakeholders must work together to ensure that pickleball continues its growth—not just as a recreational pastime but as a competitive sport that unites players of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. With increased visibility, international recognition, and a united approach, the day may soon come when we see the bright yellow ball bouncing on an Olympic court, with the world’s best pickleball players vying for the ultimate prize: Olympic gold.
Conclusion
Pickleball’s rise to the global stage has been nothing short of remarkable, and its journey toward Olympic inclusion is now a story of ambition, community, and a passion for sport. While challenges remain in terms of global representation, funding, and participation at elite levels, the strides already made are encouraging. The core qualities that make pickleball so appealing—its accessibility, its blend of strategy and athleticism, and its strong community-driven spirit—are all elements that align perfectly with the values of the Olympic movement.
The path to the Olympics is not straightforward, nor is it guaranteed. However, with continued efforts in international promotion, expanded competition structures, youth engagement, and global outreach, pickleball could very well become a celebrated Olympic sport. When that day comes, the world will witness a culmination of years of dedication by a community that believes in the power of a small paddle, a perforated ball, and the joy of spirited competition. Here’s to hoping that, in the near future, pickleball takes its rightful place among the greatest sports on the Olympic stage—a dream for players, fans, and communities worldwide.