LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games Propose Exciting Addition of Five New Sports
The LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games have presented their official proposal for the inclusion of new Olympic sports to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the 2028 Olympic sports program.
This proposal encompasses a diverse range of sports, including baseball/softball, flag football, cricket (Twenty20), lacrosse (Sixes) and squash, marking a significant milestone in realising the vision for the 2028 Olympic Games.
This innovative selection of sports is designed to reflect the spirit of diversity, optimism and creativity that defines Los Angeles. LA28’s proposal strategically leverages the global appeal of these sports to infuse the Games with fresh, forward-thinking energy while also fostering strong relationships with international federations and professional leagues. The aim is to provide a heightened level of excitement to existing Olympic enthusiasts and extend a warm invitation to a new generation of athletes and fans, all participating in the creation of an exceptional Olympic experience.
Chairperson of LA28, Casey Wasserman, highlighted the relevance and community-oriented nature of the planned additions to the Olympic program.
“LA28’s proposed sports ignite the imagination on the field of play and drive culture off it,” Wasserman said.
“They’re relevant, innovative and community-based, played in backyards, schoolyards, community centres, stadiums, and parks across the US and the globe.”
“They will bring new athletes to the Games, engage diverse fanbases and expand the Games’ presence in digital spaces, further amplifying LA28’s mission to deliver an unparalleled experience.”
Each organising committee, including LA28, has the option to consider introducing new sports for their edition of the Olympic Games, although it is not obligatory. LA28’s proposal follows a Request for Information (RFI) process initiated in June 2022, which involved nine IOC-recognised International Federations (IF).
The selection of sports for the LA28 Olympic Games took into account the IOC-approved evaluation criteria, which focus on economic responsibility, gender equality, sport integrity, fan interest and youth relevance. These criteria align with the principles of the Olympic Agenda 2020+5, the New Norm and the Olympic Charter.
Lacrosse is among the new sports proposed for inclusion at the 2028 LA Olympic Games
Kathy Carter, CEO of LA28, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and bold thinking.
“In building the Olympic sport program, we were willing to challenge the status quo and think differently about what’s possible for the Games in Los Angeles,” Carter explained.
“We approached the process holistically and authentically, ensuring that our decisions were grounded in the Games’ commitment to fiscal responsibility. And we’ve landed on a bold and balanced proposal that will energise the Games with culturally relevant competition and boundless possibility.”
The inclusion of these new Olympic sports in LA28’s proposal was based on a comprehensive evaluation of their potential to positively impact the Games while upholding LA28’s existing framework for venue reuse and sports parks. This approach ensures that LA28 maintains its people-first ethos in delivering an unparalleled Games experience.
The proposal for the addition of these sports will be reviewed and presented by the IOC Executive Board for ratification during the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai on October 16.
The LA28 Games will mark Los Angeles’ third time hosting the Olympic Games, with previous editions in 1932 and 1984, and the city’s first time hosting the Paralympic Games.
The 2028 Games will bring together elite athletes from around the world, welcoming Olympians and Paralympians to compete on the grandest stage in sports. LA28 is independently operated by a privately funded, non-profit organisation, with revenue derived from corporate partnerships, licensing agreements, hospitality and ticketing programs, and a substantial contribution from the International Olympic Committee.
