Top International Olympic Committee (IOC) Delegate Says Pickleball’s Inclusion in 2028 Olympics is All But a Done Deal, Just a Matter of Time
The inclusion of pickleball in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles is no longer a mere possibility—it’s all but a done deal, according to a prominent International Olympic Committee (IOC) delegate. With the sport’s explosive growth and rising international popularity, pickleball’s path to Olympic recognition seems inevitable. As one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, the announcement has fans, athletes, and stakeholders eagerly anticipating the chance to see the game played on the biggest global stage.
The Rise of Pickleball: A Global Phenomenon
Pickleball, a fast-paced, paddle-based sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, has skyrocketed in popularity over the past decade. Originally created in the mid-1960s in the United States, the sport has gained a global following, with an estimated 36.5 million people in the U.S. alone now playing regularly, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. The sport has also seen rapid growth in countries like Canada, Spain, and Australia, and major international tournaments are now drawing players from around the world.
What sets pickleball apart is its accessibility. Players of all ages and skill levels can enjoy the game, making it a family-friendly option that has gained traction across diverse communities. Its easy-to-understand rules and relatively low-cost entry have helped it proliferate in both urban and rural areas, from community centers to upscale fitness clubs.
IOC Delegate’s Bold Statement
Recently, an influential IOC delegate, who wished to remain anonymous, shared an optimistic outlook on the future of pickleball in the Olympic Games. According to the delegate, it is now “only a matter of time” before the sport is formally added to the Summer Olympics in 2028, and discussions are already underway behind the scenes.
“I’ve seen the statistics, I’ve watched the growth, and it’s clear that pickleball is here to stay,” the IOC delegate remarked. “The IOC looks for sports that have global appeal, widespread participation, and potential to bring new audiences to the Games. Pickleball checks all those boxes. At this point, it’s just a question of timing and logistics.”
While official approval for new sports to be included in the Olympics is a lengthy process, the growing influence of pickleball on both grassroots and elite levels of competition has caught the attention of the IOC. The sport’s capacity to attract younger audiences, particularly from North America and Europe, makes it a valuable addition to the already diverse roster of Olympic sports.
Momentum for Inclusion: Why It Makes Sense
Inclusion in the Olympics is no small feat, and sports must demonstrate a certain level of international appeal, organization, and governance before they can be considered. However, pickleball’s rise in popularity has met all the criteria that the IOC looks for when evaluating potential Olympic sports.
- Global Growth: Pickleball is played in over 60 countries, with over 50 national federations worldwide. Its wide-reaching appeal and global participation put it on a short list of sports ripe for Olympic consideration.
- Youth Engagement: A significant demographic for the IOC is younger viewers. Pickleball’s accessibility and social media presence, particularly on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, have helped it capture the attention of younger audiences. The sport’s easy-to-learn nature and its ability to provide fast-paced action on-screen could make it a fan favorite during the Games.
- Diverse Playing Fields: Pickleball can be played on a variety of surfaces and in both indoor and outdoor settings, making it a versatile sport that could be easily integrated into the Olympic schedule without requiring massive new infrastructure investments.
- Existing Professional Leagues: With the establishment of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, Major League Pickleball (MLP), and other competitive circuits, the sport now has a thriving professional scene. As athletes from around the world engage in high-level competitions, the sport is steadily gaining credibility and recognition.
- Increased Sponsorship and Media Attention: The growing presence of pickleball in the media and its increasing sponsorship deals with major brands further demonstrate the sport’s commercial appeal. The IOC’s evaluation process increasingly considers a sport’s marketability and its potential to attract new fans, both of which pickleball has in spades.
Challenges and Considerations
While the addition of pickleball seems almost assured, there are still hurdles to overcome. The IOC’s process of admitting new sports into the Olympic fold typically involves an application to the Olympic Program Commission, followed by a review of the sport’s global reach, organization, and potential for broadening the Olympic audience.
One potential challenge is the already crowded Olympic schedule. The 2028 Summer Olympics will feature a wide variety of events, and introducing a new sport like pickleball may require reconfiguring or even reducing the number of events in existing disciplines. However, this challenge is not insurmountable, as the IOC has shown a willingness to tweak its offerings in the past to keep up with evolving trends.
What’s Next for Pickleball?
With the strong backing of both the global pickleball community and key IOC officials, it’s likely only a matter of time before we see pickleball take its place alongside other Olympic sports in 2028. As discussions continue and formal steps are taken toward securing its spot, the excitement surrounding its potential inclusion will only continue to grow.
For players, fans, and industry leaders, the prospect of pickleball becoming an Olympic sport represents a milestone moment in its journey from a backyard pastime to a globally recognized, elite-level competition. And with the enthusiasm surrounding its inclusion, it may soon become a cornerstone event of the 2028 Games.
As the IOC delegate put it: “Pickleball has earned its place in the Olympics. It’s not a question of if but when.“
