Short answer: No. As of August 2026, pickleball is not an Olympic sport, and it is not included in the official sports program for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. No future Olympic debut has been confirmed.
Is pickleball in the 2028 Olympics?
No. The five additional sports approved for LA28 are baseball/softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash. Pickleball is not on that list.
This is worth clarifying because pickleball’s rapid growth has created plenty of speculation. A sport can be popular and internationally played without automatically becoming part of the Olympic program.
What does a sport need to become Olympic?
There is no single shortcut or guaranteed checklist. In practice, a sport needs strong international organization, widely accepted rules, meaningful competition across multiple countries and continents, and alignment with the goals of the Olympic movement. The host organizing committee may propose additional sports for a particular edition of the Games, but the International Olympic Committee must approve the final program.
Pickleball already has several helpful ingredients: participation is growing, professional competition is developing, and the game is relatively easy to stage. However, Olympic inclusion also depends on global reach, governance, athlete representation, broadcast appeal, venue requirements, and the limited number of events available.
Could pickleball be included in Brisbane 2032?
It is possible that pickleball could be considered for a future Games, including Brisbane 2032, but there is currently no confirmed Olympic debut. Any claim that pickleball “will be in the 2032 Olympics” should therefore be treated as speculation unless it is supported by an official announcement from the organizers or the IOC.
Why do people think pickleball is already Olympic?
- Fast participation growth: More people are playing recreationally and competitively.
- Professional tours: Televised events and contracted players make the sport look increasingly established.
- International tournaments: Events outside the United States support the idea of a global sport.
- Confusion with other multisport events: A sport can appear in regional or international events without being part of the Olympic Games.
What would Olympic inclusion mean for pickleball?
An Olympic place could accelerate international investment, coaching programs, national-team development, and standardized competition. It would also put greater pressure on the sport to maintain consistent rules, qualification systems, officiating, and anti-doping standards across countries.
Until an official decision is announced, the accurate description is simple: pickleball is a fast-growing international sport, but it is not currently an Olympic sport.
Frequently asked questions
Will pickleball be in the 2028 Olympics?
No. Pickleball is not included in the LA28 Olympic sports program.
Has pickleball been approved for the 2032 Olympics?
No. As of August 2026, there is no official confirmation that pickleball will be included in Brisbane 2032.
Is pickleball played professionally?
Yes. Pickleball has professional tours, leagues, contracted players, prize money, and sponsorships. Learn more in our guides to professional pickleball and pro player earnings.
Where did pickleball begin?
Pickleball was created in Washington State in 1965. Our guide to the origins of pickleball explains how the game developed.
