Pickleball is not in the Olympics yet, but a future debut is possible.
If you came here asking will pickleball be in the Olympics, you are in the right place. I follow the sport’s growth, work with event teams, and track how new sports make the Games. In this guide, I break down the real path, the hurdles, and what has to happen next. You will leave with a clear, honest view of when and how pickleball could reach the Olympic stage.
How Olympic sports get added
To answer will pickleball be in the Olympics, you first need to know how the process works. The host city can propose extra sports for its Games. The International Olympic Committee then vets them and makes the final call. There are also core sports that stay on the program.
Key criteria the IOC looks at:
- Global reach. A sport should be played widely by men and women across many countries and continents.
- Strong governance. A single, stable International Federation with clear rules is a must.
- Anti-doping. Full compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code is required.
- Youth appeal. The sport should attract young fans and new audiences.
- Event fit. Easy to stage, safe, cost effective, and media friendly.
One more point. Official “demonstration sports” are no longer part of the Games. Hosts can run festival events around the Olympics, but those do not count as Olympic events.
Where pickleball stands right now
So, will pickleball be in the Olympics for LA28? No. The LA28 program already added baseball and softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse, and squash. Pickleball was not selected.
The sport is growing fast. Estimates suggest tens of millions have tried it in the United States. Membership and courts are rising in Canada, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Over 60 countries now have some form of a national body. Yet the global system is still young. The international governance has had splits. Rule sets are close but not always the same. A single, stable International Federation that meets IOC standards is still forming.
From a compliance view, a full anti-doping program needs to be in place worldwide. That includes education, testing at top events, and case handling. Media and pro tours help the spotlight, but the IOC looks first at federation strength, universality, and the ability to run fair, equal events at scale.
The realistic timeline: When could it happen?
People ask, will pickleball be in the Olympics by 2032? That is the earliest realistic target. Here is a simple path.
- 2025 to 2027. Unify under one strong International Federation. Lock rules. Build a WADA compliant anti-doping program. Grow national bodies on every continent.
- 2027 to 2029. Bid for IOC recognition of the IF. Stage major world championships with broad country turnout. Secure National Olympic Committee support in key regions.
- 2029 to 2030. If Brisbane 2032 opens a window for added sports, the IF and host could make a case. The IOC then reviews impact, cost, and reach.
LA28 is set. Brisbane 2032 is possible. Beyond 2032, chances rise if the sport keeps scaling in a stable, global way.
What must happen next for Olympic inclusion
If you want a simple answer to will pickleball be in the Olympics, focus on the work below.
- Unify governance. The IOC needs one official International Federation with clear statutes, elections, and ethics rules.
- Standardize rules. One global rulebook with simple, consistent officiating is key.
- Hit universality thresholds. Grow both men’s and women’s play across many countries and continents. Support youth pathways.
- Prove anti-doping readiness. Education, testing at elite events, and trusted results management.
- Build a true world calendar. Continental championships, then a world championship with broad entries and drug testing.
- Show low cost and smart venues. Convert tennis halls or arenas with modular courts for efficient hosting.
- Tell a strong story. Data on participation, broadcast tests, and fan growth should be clear and verified.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Relying only on US numbers. The IOC wants balanced global data.
- Splitting into rival world bodies. That weakens the case.
- Treating pro tours as a substitute for an IF. Tours help, but federation compliance comes first.
Why pickleball is a strong candidate
Even with hurdles, the case is promising. If you keep asking will pickleball be in the Olympics, here are reasons it could be.
- Access and equity. Small courts, simple gear, and a gentle learning curve invite all ages and abilities.
- Venue fit. Many indoor halls can be lined for many courts. That keeps costs low.
- Fast to watch. Quick rallies, clear scoring, and easy broadcast angles help TV and streaming.
- Youth to masters appeal. The sport works for school programs and for older athletes too.
- Sponsor and community value. Brands and cities see year-round engagement and recreation benefits.
These strengths match IOC goals on access, youth appeal, and legacy use of venues.
My on-court view and practical advice
I coach new players and help run events. I have seen what wins over athletes and officials. Simple rules, fair play, and a warm culture matter. They make the sport sticky.
If your federation wants to move the needle on will pickleball be in the Olympics, try this:
- Host national events with drug testing in place. Start small, then scale.
- Share coach education and officiating clinics in new countries. Keep it simple and consistent.
- Build junior tours with equal chances for girls and boys. Track data.
- Invite nearby nations to your open events. Cross-border play grows depth.
- Publish clear rankings and selection rules. Avoid confusion and drama.
These steps show the IOC that the sport is serious, stable, and ready.
How players and fans can help
A movement beats a memo. If you care about will pickleball be in the Olympics, you can play a part.
- Join your national federation. Numbers matter.
- Support youth programs and school clubs. Offer to coach or donate gear.
- Volunteer at events. Help with officiating, media, or logistics.
- Share real data with local leaders. Courts used, program waitlists, and community demand.
- Travel to international events if you can. Cross-border play grows the map.
Small actions at home can lead to big moments on the world stage.
Frequently Asked Questions of will pickleball be in the olympics
Will pickleball be in the Olympics for LA28?
No. LA28 added baseball and softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse, and squash. Pickleball was not selected for these Games.
When is the earliest year pickleball could be in the Olympics?
The earliest realistic target is Brisbane 2032. Strong global growth and IOC recognition steps must happen first.
What does the IOC need to see before pickleball can be added?
A single recognized International Federation, WADA compliant anti-doping, and wide global play. The sport must also be cost friendly and media ready.
How many countries need to play for Olympic inclusion?
The IOC looks for broad men’s and women’s participation across several continents. More countries with active national bodies and events is better.
Does pro tour success help the Olympic case?
Yes, but it is not enough by itself. Olympic inclusion depends on the International Federation, anti-doping, and global reach.
Is there a chance pickleball appears as a demonstration sport?
Official demonstration events are no longer part of the Games program. Hosts may run festival events, but these are not Olympic medal events.
Will pickleball be in the Olympics if youth numbers keep growing?
Youth growth helps a lot. It still needs strong governance, anti-doping, and wide international play to meet IOC standards.
What can I do to help speed this up?
Join your national body, support youth and women’s programs, and volunteer at events. Data and steady global growth make the best case for inclusion.
Conclusion
Pickleball is not on the LA28 program, and the road is still long. Yet the pieces are coming together, and the sport’s core strengths fit the Olympic vision. If you keep asking will pickleball be in the Olympics, the honest answer is not yet, but 2032 and beyond are in play with the right steps.
Want to help? Join your local federation, back youth and officials, and share real data with leaders. If this guide helped, subscribe for updates, share it with your club, and drop your questions in the comments.