The Los Angeles 2028 Olympics will feature a dynamic lineup of sports, with several changes from the Paris Games. The International Olympic Committee’s decision to allow local organizers to add up to five additional sports has created an ever-evolving roster of Olympic events. Here’s a look at what’s changing for the 2028 Games.
Leaving: Breaking
Breaking, which made its Olympic debut in Paris, will not be included in the Los Angeles 2028 lineup. Despite its origins in the United States, breaking did not align with Los Angeles’ vision for the Games. “It’s up to each local organizing committee to determine which sports to put forward that fit with their vision of the Games,” explained IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell. However, the World DanceSport Federation aims to bring breaking back for the 2032 Brisbane Games.
Rejoining: Baseball and Softball
After a long hiatus, baseball and softball will return to the Olympic program in 2028. These sports were removed after the 2008 Beijing Games due to various reasons, including MLB’s reluctance to allow players to compete and stricter drug-testing policies. They made a brief return in Tokyo 2020 and will be back on a temporary basis in Los Angeles.
Rejoining: Cricket
Cricket, last seen in the Olympics in 1900, will make a comeback in 2028. The IOC’s decision to include cricket is partly driven by the desire to increase the Games’ popularity in India, where cricket is immensely popular. The T20 format will be used, featuring shorter matches that last about 3½ hours.
Flag Football
Flag football, a non-contact version of American football, will debut in Los Angeles 2028. With approximately 20 million players across over 100 countries, the sport has a strong global following. The competition will feature five-on-five games on 50-yard fields, without linemen.
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Rejoining: Lacrosse
Lacrosse, an official Olympic sport in 1904 and 1908, will return after decades of absence. The sport has been included on a demonstration basis in previous Games but has not been part of the official program since 1948.
Joining: Squash
Squash, popular in continental events like the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, will make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles. The racquetball-like sport’s inclusion is seen as a positive step towards making the Games more sustainable, as top squash tournaments often use temporary venues.
Slightly changing: Modern Pentathlon
Modern pentathlon will undergo a significant change in 2028. The traditional horse-riding element will be replaced with an obstacle competition, similar to those seen in popular TV shows like “American Ninja Warrior.” This change aims to modernize the sport and keep it relevant.
Still Up in the air: Boxing
Boxing, an Olympic staple since 1912, is currently not approved for the 2028 Games. The IOC stopped recognizing the International Boxing Association due to governance issues. For boxing to return, a new governing body must be approved. World Boxing hopes to fill this role, but the IOC has yet to make a decision.
IOC spokesman Mark Adams expressed optimism about boxing’s return: “We want to see boxing on the program in L.A. Now it is up to the boxing community to organize themselves for the sport and for the athletes.”
The Los Angeles 2028 Olympics will see the departure of breaking and the addition of baseball, softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse, and squash. Modern pentathlon will undergo changes, while boxing’s inclusion remains uncertain. These shifts reflect the IOC’s efforts to keep the Games fresh and appealing to a global audience.
