No, pickleball is not currently an Olympic sport and will not be included in the Los Angeles 2028 games. While the newly unified Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) has submitted paperwork for International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognition, the sport still needs to prove widespread global participation and establish a strict anti-doping program. The earliest realistic target for Olympic inclusion is Brisbane 2032, though 2036 or 2040 is more likely.
I have had many people ask me, “is pickleball an Olympic sport?” Not yet, my friends.
However, with the popularity of pickleball continuing its unstoppable rise, many avid players and fans believe the sport will one day make it to the Olympics. While we aren’t going to see it in the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 games, the dream is still very much alive for Brisbane 2032 and beyond!
Let’s dive into what it actually takes to become an Olympic sport, what’s happening behind the scenes, and why pickleball absolutely has what it takes to get there.