Will Pickleball be in the Olympics?

Pickleball's Olympic Dream: Is 2028 the Year?

For a sport to be included in the Olympics, it must meet key criteria set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), such as:
✅ Worldwide participation – Pickleball is expanding beyond North America into Europe, Asia, and Australia.
✅ Youth engagement – The sport is fun, social, and easy to pick up, making it a hit with younger generations.
✅ Spectator appeal – Fast rallies and strategic gameplay keep audiences entertained.

The International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) and USA Pickleball are actively pushing for Olympic recognition, increasing global participation and working on standardized rules.

Pickleball is exploding in popularity. From casual backyard games to fiercely competitive leagues, this hybrid sport is capturing hearts across the globe. But one question looms large: Will pickleball make it to the Olympics? And more specifically, could we see it as soon as 2028 in Los Angeles? Let's dive into the exciting possibilities.

The Rise of Pickleball: A Global Phenomenon

If you haven't heard of pickleball, you've likely been living under a (very comfortable) rock. This fast-paced sport, combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is accessible to all ages and skill levels. Its social nature and easy-to-learn rules have fueled its meteoric rise.

Are you looking to get in on the action? Finding pickleball courts near me is easier than ever, with dedicated facilities and community centers popping up everywhere. And if you're ready to gear up, a quick search for pickleball sets or paddles pickleball will reveal a plethora of options.

Olympic Aspirations: The Road to LA 2028

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has a rigorous process for adding new sports. Key factors include global participation, popularity among youth, and alignment with Olympic values. Pickleball, with its rapidly growing international fanbase and inclusive nature, certainly ticks many of these boxes.

While it's still early to say definitively whether pickleball will be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the sport's governing bodies are actively pursuing this goal. The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) and the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) are working diligently to demonstrate the sport's global appeal and organizational readiness.

Why Pickleball Makes Sense for the Olympics:

Accessibility: Pickleball's simplicity makes it appealing to a wide audience, both as participants and spectators.
Growing Global Reach: The sport is no longer confined to North America; it's gaining traction in Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Youth Appeal: Pickleball's dynamic nature and social aspect resonate with younger generations, a key demographic for the Olympics.
Spectator-Friendly: The fast-paced action and strategic gameplay make pickleball an exciting sport to watch.
Equipment Accessibility: Starting is easy, and finding pickleball sets or individual paddles pickleball is very simple online or in sports stores.

What's Next for Pickleball?

The decision on which sports will be included in the 2028 Olympics is ultimately made by the IOC. In the meantime, the pickleball community is focused on:

Increasing international participation.
Developing standardized rules and regulations.
Promoting the sport at all levels.

Getting Started with Pickleball:

Ready to experience the thrill of pickleball for yourself?

Find Courts: Search for "pickleball courts near me" to locate local facilities.
Get Equipped: Invest in a pickleball set or individual paddles pickleball to get started.
Learn the Rules: Familiarize yourself with the basic rules and scoring.
Join a League or Clinic: Connect with other players and improve your skills.

The future of pickleball is bright, and the possibility of Olympic inclusion is within reach. Whether or not it makes it to LA 2028, the sport's continued growth and passionate community guarantee its place in the sporting world.

Checkout the Picklepulse range here to join in on the hottest growing sport. To find your pickleball paddle, Find my Pickleball Paddle.