The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles are set to feature a mix of new and returning sports, with six additions to the lineup and the likely removal of two existing events. Breakdancing, which made its debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is expected to be dropped, meaning fans won’t see the viral performances that captured attention this year. Boxing is also at risk of being excluded unless significant governance and funding issues are addressed by a 2025 deadline. This potential removal has sparked concern among boxing enthusiasts, as the sport has been a staple of the Olympics for many years.
Among the new sports making their Olympic debut in Los Angeles is flag football, a variation of American football where players aim to remove flags from opponents’ belts instead of tackling them. The introduction of flag football reflects the growing popularity of the sport, especially in the U.S., and is expected to draw in a large fanbase. Squash will also make its first appearance at the Olympics, bringing the fast-paced, strategic racket sport to a global audience. Squash has long been a staple in other major competitions like the Commonwealth Games, and its inclusion in the Olympics is a significant milestone for the sport.
In addition to these debut sports, four others are set to return to the Olympic stage. Baseball, which was last part of the Olympics in 2008, will make a comeback, much to the delight of fans who have missed seeing it in recent games. Softball, which shares a similar history with baseball, will also return after being dropped from the Olympics following the 2008 Beijing Games. Lacrosse, another sport with deep roots in North America, will be featured for the first time since 1908, adding a historical element to the games. Finally, cricket, which has not been included since its only appearance in the 1900 Olympics, will return, marking a significant moment for the sport’s global community.
These additions and changes reflect the evolving landscape of the Olympic Games, as organizers aim to introduce fresh sports while preserving traditional ones. The blend of new and returning sports in Los Angeles promises to offer something for everyone, from fans of fast-paced American sports like flag football to those excited about the global appeal of cricket. As the world looks ahead to 2028, these changes signal an Olympics that will be both familiar and refreshingly new, catering to a diverse audience of sports enthusiasts.
