If you've recently picked up a paddle or watched pickleball's explosive growth, you may be wondering: Is pickleball an Olympic sport?

The short answer is no—not yet.

As of 2026, pickleball is not included in the Olympic Games, and it is not part of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic program. However, the sport is becoming increasingly organized on the international stage, and efforts are underway to pursue recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

So, could pickleball eventually become an Olympic sport? The possibility is real, but there are still important steps to complete before that can happen.

Is Pickleball an Olympic Sport Right Now?

No. Pickleball is not currently an Olympic sport.

It has grown from a recreational game into an increasingly international competitive sport, but it has not yet received the IOC recognition needed to become part of the Olympic program.

The distinction is important: being popular around the world does not automatically make a sport Olympic. A sport must meet the requirements for recognition and then go through the Olympic program selection process.

For now, pickleball remains outside the Olympic Games.

Will Pickleball Be in the 2028 Olympics?

No. Pickleball will not be part of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics (LA28).

The IOC approved five additional sports for LA28:

• Baseball/softball

• Cricket (T20)

• Flag football

• Lacrosse (sixes)

• Squash

Pickleball was not included in that group. citeturn0search4

This means fans should not expect to see Olympic pickleball competition in Los Angeles in 2028.

What About Breaking?

Breaking is another point of confusion. Breaking made its Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, but it is not part of the LA28 sports program. It therefore should not be described as a new sport being added to the 2028 Olympics. citeturn0search4

Why Isn't Pickleball in the Olympics Yet?

Popularity is only one part of the Olympic equation.

For a sport to have a realistic path toward Olympic inclusion, it needs strong international organization, widespread participation, internationally standardized competition, appropriate governance, and compliance with Olympic and anti-doping standards.

Pickleball has made progress in several of these areas, but its international Olympic pathway is still developing.

One important step is having a strong international governing structure capable of representing the sport globally.

Pickleball's Path Toward Olympic Recognition

The sport's international governing structure has been developing in recent years.

The Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) says it began the process of seeking IOC recognition and has been working with stakeholders in international sport toward that goal. The organization has also stated that it wants to create a pathway for pickleball to eventually reach the Olympic Games. citeturn1search0turn1search2

That is an important development, but it does not mean the IOC has officially recognized pickleball or selected it for a future Olympic Games.

Those are separate steps.

The GPF has specifically identified Brisbane 2032 as a long-term target for Olympic inclusion. However, this is the federation's goal—not a confirmed Olympic decision or guarantee from the IOC. citeturn1search1

What Does Pickleball Need to Do to Reach the Olympics?

Several areas will be important as pickleball continues pursuing Olympic recognition.

1. Build a Strong International Federation

A sport needs effective international governance. That includes clear leadership, transparent rules, democratic processes, and an organization capable of representing national federations around the world.

The Global Pickleball Federation says its work is focused on building that international structure. citeturn1search1

2. Expand International Participation

Pickleball's strongest market has historically been the United States, but the sport continues to expand internationally.

For Olympic consideration, sustained participation and organized competition across many countries are important. More national federations and international events can strengthen the sport's case.

3. Establish Strong International Competition

Olympic sports need more than recreational participation.

Pickleball needs a strong international competitive structure, including national teams, international tournaments, standardized rules, and high-level athletes competing across countries.

The continued development of global competitions can help demonstrate that pickleball is a genuine international competitive sport.

4. Follow Anti-Doping and Sports Governance Standards

Olympic sports operate under strict governance and anti-doping frameworks.

The Global Pickleball Federation has identified compliance with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standards, recognition of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and other governance requirements as important parts of the Olympic pathway. citeturn1search1

Why Pickleball Could Be a Good Fit for the Olympics

Pickleball has several characteristics that could make it attractive as an international sport.

It is relatively easy to learn, requires less space than many traditional court sports, and can be played by people across a wide range of ages and skill levels.

The sport also has a fast pace that can translate well to competitive viewing.

But these advantages alone aren't enough to secure Olympic status. The sport must continue demonstrating that it has a sustainable international competitive structure.

As pickleball continues to grow beyond the court, fans are also embracing pickleball-themed apparel, including our Halloween pickleball shirts. 

How Does Pickleball Compare With Other New Olympic Sports?

Pickleball isn't the only sport that has had to build its international profile before reaching the Olympics.

Sports such as skateboarding, surfing, and sport climbing successfully entered the Olympic program, while flag football and squash are scheduled to make their Olympic debuts at LA28. citeturn0search4

However, each sport follows its own path. Pickleball cannot simply follow the same timeline as another sport because Olympic inclusion depends on factors such as international governance, participation, competition structure, and decisions made by the IOC and relevant Olympic organizers.

Could Pickleball Be in the 2032 Olympics?

It is possible, but it is not confirmed.

The Global Pickleball Federation has publicly identified the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games as a goal for the sport. citeturn1search1

That does not mean pickleball has been selected for Brisbane 2032.

The sport would first need to make further progress toward IOC recognition and satisfy the relevant requirements. The Olympic program for future Games is also subject to decisions by the IOC and the organizing process for each edition.

So, for now, 2032 should be viewed as a target being pursued by pickleball's international governing community, rather than a confirmed destination.

The Future of Pickleball and the Olympics

Pickleball has come a long way, but its Olympic journey is still in progress.

The sport is becoming more international, its governing organizations are working toward stronger global coordination, and the Global Pickleball Federation has begun pursuing the IOC recognition process. citeturn1search0turn1search2

Still, there is no official confirmation that pickleball will become an Olympic sport in 2032 or any other future Games.

For pickleball fans, the next few years could be important. Continued international growth, stronger governance, global competitions, and Olympic recognition efforts will determine how close the sport gets to the world's biggest sporting stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will pickleball ever become an Olympic sport?

It is possible, but there is no guarantee. Pickleball is not currently an Olympic sport, and the IOC has not confirmed it for a future Olympic Games. International pickleball organizations are working toward IOC recognition and eventual Olympic inclusion.

Will pickleball be in the 2028 Olympics?

No. Pickleball is not included in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic program. The five additional sports approved for LA28 are baseball/softball, cricket (T20), flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash. citeturn0search4

Could pickleball be in the 2032 Olympics?

Possibly, but it has not been confirmed. The Global Pickleball Federation has identified Brisbane 2032 as a goal for pickleball's Olympic pathway. citeturn1search1

Does the IOC recognize pickleball?

Pickleball does not currently have confirmed IOC-recognized Olympic sport status. The Global Pickleball Federation says it has begun the process of pursuing IOC recognition. citeturn1search0turn1search2

What sports are new for the 2028 Olympics?

The IOC approved baseball/softball, cricket (T20), flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash as additional sports for Los Angeles 2028. Flag football and squash will make their Olympic debuts at LA28. citeturn0search4

Conclusion

So, is pickleball an Olympic sport? Not yet.

Pickleball will not appear at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but the sport's international Olympic campaign is continuing. The Global Pickleball Federation is pursuing IOC recognition and has set Brisbane 2032 as an aspirational target.

Whether pickleball eventually earns a place in the Olympic Games will depend on its continued international growth, governance, competition structure, and the decisions of the Olympic authorities.

For now, pickleball's Olympic dream remains a work in progress—but the sport is certainly moving in that direction.