With pickleball rapidly gaining popularity in The United States and around the world over the past few years, one question lingers in the minds of many enthusiasts: Why isn’t pickleball a sport in the 2024 Summer Olympics?
This Olympic aspiration is common with various sports enthusiasts—like pickleball players—as being included in the Olympics can lead to massive benefits for their respective sport, such as:
- Global Exposure: The Olympic Games are one of the most-watched and most-followed sporting events worldwide. Being part of the Olympics provides sports like pickleball with unprecedented global exposure and a broad audience. This can lead to increased interest, participation (at all levels—from youth to amateur to professional), and support for the sport at all levels.
- Prestige and Recognition: Olympic inclusion bestows a sense of prestige and recognition upon a sport. It signifies that the sport has achieved a certain level of competitiveness, organization, and international appeal. Athletes in Olympic sports often gain enhanced respect and status.
- Funding and Support: Olympic status can open doors to increased funding and support from government agencies, national Olympic committees, and private sponsors. These resources can be essential for athlete development, infrastructure, facilities, and grassroots programs, further enhancing a sport’s development.
These benefits would help continue to fuel the growth of pickleball. However, pickleball will need to continue to grow and wait its turn as it was not on the slate of potential sports for the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California. Rather, the International Olympic Committee executive board approved cricket, baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse, and a fellow racquet sport in squash.
Although you may be scratching your head at the inclusion of certain sports (like breaking in 2024 or flag football in 2028), most of these sports have been long at work vying for Olympic consideration.
What Does it Take to be an Olympic Sport?
With the growing popularity of pickleball, many pickleball players are surprised to see it passed up for these other sports. But, again, not only was pickleball not selected, it was not even on the list to be selected. Why is this? In other words, what does it take to be an Olympic sport?
To be eligible for the Olympics, pickleball would first need to be recognized as a sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC requires that the activity be managed by an international non-governmental organization. At that point, the international organization must “comply with the Olympic Charter, the World Anti-Doping Code and the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competition.” One key component of this is the Olympic Charter, which provides that “a sport must be widely practiced by men in at least 75 countries and on four continents and by women in no fewer than 40 countries and on three continents.”
Pickleball has an international organization, the International Pickleball Federation (IPF). While the IPF claims 78 member countries, it is not yet recognized by the IOC. As a result, pickleball was not even in the conversation for Olympic consideration (although, maybe there is still a possibility of a demonstration/exhibition sport to garner some popularity in LA).
With the meteoric rise of pickleball, it would make sense that America’s fastest growing sport may be among the next to be presented on the Olympic stage. What is the potential path for pickleball to be included as an Olympic sport? What steps need to be taken to make pickleball’s Olympic dream a reality?
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) follows a rigorous evaluation process when considering a new sport for inclusion in the Olympic Games. Although pickleball has seen increased participation and popularity, it still has room for improvement in areas valued by the IOC.
International Governance and Global Awareness. One of the key steps needed for pickleball to be included in the Olympic Games is to further solidify its international governance. This involves establishing official national governing bodies for pickleball in more countries, promoting structured competition at all levels, and implementing standardized rules and regulations. While pickleball is America’s fastest-growing sport and has gained awareness and participation globally, there is still more ground to cover. By ensuring that pickleball is well-organized and governed internationally, the sport can demonstrate its credibility and universality to the IOC.
Improve the Image. Another crucial factor in the journey toward Olympic inclusion is enhancing the image of pickleball as a competitive and professional sport. This involves showcasing top-tier athletes, professional leagues, and high-profile events that highlight the skill, athleticism, and excitement of the game. Elevating the image of pickleball will help dispel any misconceptions about the sport and garner more respect and attention on the international stage.
Inclusivity is Key. As we all know, pickleball is for all. Promoting the health benefits and inclusivity of pickleball can strengthen its case for Olympic inclusion. As a low-impact, accessible sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, pickleball aligns with the Olympic values of inclusivity and participation in sport for all. Emphasizing the positive impact of pickleball on physical, mental, and social well-being can resonate with the IOC’s commitment to promoting health and well-being through sport.
While pickleball may not be part of the 2024 Summer Olympics, the dream of seeing it on the world’s biggest sporting stage is still alive. By continuing to expand its global governance, enhancing its image as a competitive sport, and emphasizing its health benefits and inclusivity, pickleball can position itself as a strong candidate for future Olympic inclusion.
