The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics (LA28) will officially feature five additional sports: Flag Football and Squash (making their Olympic debuts), along with the return of Baseball/Softball, Cricket (T20), and Lacrosse (Sixes). These sports were proposed by the LA28 organizing committee and ratified by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to maximize local appeal and global engagement. While these five join the lineup, Breaking (Breakdancing) has been removed from the 2028 program.

New Sports for the 2028 LA Olympics

Every Summer Olympics, we are usually treated to new sports that we didn’t see in the previous Summer Games. It is no different for 2028. We’ll go over all of the new editions as well as the events that are either on pause or fully removed from the Olympics. 

The New Debuts: Flag Football & Squash

For the first time in history, these two globally popular sports will compete for Olympic gold.

Flag Football

A non-contact version of American football, Flag Football is the centerpiece of the LA28 expansion.

• Format: 5-on-5 played on a 50-yard field.
• Why it’s here: The NFL has been a major proponent, viewing the Olympics as a way to expand the game’s international footprint.
• Venue: Set to be played at BMO Stadium in Exposition Park.

Squash

After four consecutive failed applications, Squash has finally been granted Olympic status.

• Format: Individual singles competition.
• Global Powerhouse: Expect Egypt to dominate the podium, as they currently hold many of the world’s top rankings for both men and women.

The Big Returns: Cricket, Lacrosse, and Baseball

Cricket (T20)

Cricket returns to the Olympics for the first time since 1900.

• Format: Twenty20 (T20), the fastest and most television-friendly version of the game.
• The “Virat Kohli” Factor: The IOC specifically noted the massive social media following of cricket stars as a key reason for its inclusion, aiming to tap into the South Asian market.

Lacrosse (Sixes)

Lacrosse returns as a medal sport for the first time since 1908.

• Format: “Sixes”—a high-speed, 6-on-6 version played on a smaller field (70m x 36m) with 32-minute games.
• Venue: To be held in Oklahoma City (along with Softball) to utilize world-class existing facilities.

Baseball & Softball

After being left out of the Paris 2024 Games, America’s pastime returns home.

• Baseball Venue: Dodger Stadium is expected to host the final medal rounds.
• Softball Venue: OKC Softball Park in Oklahoma City.

What’s Out? Sports Removed for 2028

While the program is expanding, one sport from the Paris 2024 Games did not make the cut:

• Breaking (Breakdancing): Despite its viral moments in Paris, Breaking was not selected by LA28 organizers to return.
• Boxing (In Abeyance): Boxing’s status is currently “on hold” pending the establishment of a new recognized governing body by the IOC.

FAQ: LA28 New Sports

Question: Is Flag Football an Olympic sport?

Answer: Yes, Flag Football will make its official Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. It will feature both men’s and women’s 5-on-5 tournaments.

Question: Why is Cricket being added to the 2028 Olympics?

Answer: The IOC added Cricket (T20 format) to increase the Games’ popularity in countries like India, Pakistan, and Australia, and to capitalize on the sport’s massive global digital audience.

Question: Where will the 2028 Olympic Baseball games be played?

Answer: Olympic Baseball is scheduled to return to the historic Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, while Softball will be held at the world-renowned OKC Softball Park in Oklahoma City.

Internal Linking Opportunities

Printable 2028 Olympic Games Calendar & Schedule

2028 Summer Olympics Sports Listing