Fresh Faces and New Events Set to Debut at LA 2028 Olympics

April 22, 2026 - 03:46

The sporting program for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics has been refreshed with exciting additions, welcoming new sports and events that reflect evolving global interests. Five sports will make their Olympic debut on the iconic California stage.

Cricket returns to the Olympic fold for the first time in over a century, featuring a fast-paced Twenty20 format for both men and women. Baseball and softball also make a comeback, continuing their popular intermittent presence at the Games. Flag football, a non-contact version of American football, will bring its dynamic, high-scoring action to the world's biggest athletic platform. Lacrosse, in its sixes format, promises a quicker, more intense version of the traditional field game. Finally, squash will finally realize its Olympic dream, showcasing incredible athleticism and strategy inside the glass court.

Beyond new sports, existing programs will expand. The International Olympic Committee has confirmed increased athlete quotas, allowing for greater participation. Furthermore, new events within established sports are anticipated, with specific disciplines to be finalized by the relevant international federations closer to the Games. This carefully curated mix aims to engage new audiences, celebrate iconic American pastimes, and ensure the Los Angeles Games are a forward-looking celebration of sport.