Los Angeles is set to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, promising the same air of excitement the world experiences every four years while bringing significant changes to the sports lineup.
For starters, the number of sports will increase to 36, four more than the Paris Games.
Despite its recent debut in Paris 2024, breakdancing will not be featured in Los Angeles, a decision made prior to the Paris Games.
Meanwhile, cricket will make a long-awaited return to the Olympics after a 128-year absence since Paris 1900, and will be played in the short and fast-paced Twenty20 format.
Additionally, the 2028 Games will welcome back baseball and softball, alongside lacrosse, both of which have been absent from the Olympics for several years.
To maximize local interest and engagement, the Los Angeles Organizing Committee will be introducing sports that resonate with the community.
New sports making their Olympic debut include flag football and squash, while skateboarding and sport climbing have officially become permanent fixtures in the Olympic program.
“LA28’s proposed sports ignite the imagination on the field of play and drive culture off it. They’re relevant, innovative and community-based, played in backyards, schoolyards, community centers, stadiums and parks across the U.S. and the globe,” said LA28 Chairperson Casey Wasserman in an official statement.
“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.”
Boxing remains in provisional status pending calls for governance and finance reforms, but a decision from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is expected by the end of 2025.
