Could Pickleball Be the Next Olympic Sport? 2025 Latest News & Predictions

If you've been following pickleball's explosive growth, you've probably wondered: will this sport you love ever make it to the Olympics? You're not alone in asking whether pickleball Olympics could become reality. With an estimated 19.8 million players in the U.S. in 2024 (a 45.8% increase from the previous year), you're witnessing a sport that's growing faster than almost any other recreational activity in America.

The question you're really asking isn't just 'is pickleball an Olympic sport?' – it's whether you might someday watch your favorite players compete on the world's biggest sporting stage.

Is Pickleball an Olympic Sport in 2025?

No, pickleball isn't an Olympic sport yet. But before you get discouraged, here's what you should understand – the conversation has completely shifted from 'if' to 'when.'

If you're wondering is pickleball in the Olympics 2026, that's also a no. The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics won't feature summer sports like pickleball anyway. But what you should be excited about is how seriously Olympic officials are starting to take this sport you love.

Does the Olympics Have Pickleball Potential?

Here's what you need to know about Olympic potential: according to IOC criteria, 'any Olympic sport must be widely practiced in at least 75 counties across 4 continents for men and 40 across 3 continents for women.'

Since more than 60 countries are already playing the sport you love, you're tantalizingly close to meeting these requirements. The global pickleball market you're part of has grown from $1.5 billion in 2023 with projections to reach $4.4 billion by 2033 – that's an 11.3% compound annual growth rate.

How Fast Is Pickleball Growing Globally?

The numbers will probably surprise you. Here's what the growth looks like for the sport you're playing:

If you're playing in professional tournaments, you're part of an ecosystem that held:

• 142 USA Pickleball tournaments in 2024
• 26 PPA tournaments
• 20 APP tournaments
• 11 Major League Pickleball events

That’s more than 300% growth from the previous year.

Why Are Celebrities Talking About Pickleball?

You've probably noticed that celebrities are jumping on the pickleball bandwagon. When Drake, LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Michael B. Jordan are publicly talking about the sport you play, that attention matters for Olympic consideration.

Even more impressive: professional tennis players like Jack Sock and Genie Bouchard have switched to your sport. That's not just celebrity endorsement – that's professional athletes validating what you already know about pickleball's competitive potential.

When Will Pickleball Be in the Olympics?

Will Pickleball Be in the 2028 Olympics?

If you're hoping to see pickleball at the Olympics in Los Angeles 2028, you'll probably be disappointed. The sports lineup is pretty much set with flag football, baseball, softball, cricket, lacrosse, and squash getting priority.

However, there's still a slim chance. Host cities can propose additional sports, so if LA wants to showcase America's fastest-growing sport, they could theoretically push for inclusion. But you shouldn't hold your breath.

Is 2032 More Realistic for Pickleball Olympics?

Now here's where you should get excited. The 2032 Brisbane Olympics present the most realistic timeline for several reasons that matter to you:

• Australia's pickleball community is exploding (just like yours probably did)
• You'll have time for the sport to hit those 75-country requirements
• Host city advantage could work in your favor
• The professional structures you're seeing will be even more established

This timeline actually makes sense for the sport you're passionate about.

What Professional Events Are Building Toward Olympics?

If you follow professional pickleball, you're already watching Olympic preparation in action:

• PPA Tour: The structured professional competition you watch
• Major League Pickleball: The franchise teams building fan bases in your area
• USA Pickleball Championships: The tournament that drew over 3,500 players you might have attended
• World Championships: The international competitive standards being set

These aren't just tournaments you attend or watch – they're proving grounds for Olympic-level competition.

What Needs to Happen for Pickleball to Become Olympic?

More Countries Need to Start Playing

You need those participation numbers to hit 75 countries for men and 40 for women. The good news? The growth trajectory you're seeing suggests this is achievable.

Official IOC Recognition

The IFP needs official IOC recognition. This is bureaucratic but crucial for the sport.

Standardized Rules Everywhere

The game must need global rules, consistent officiating, and unified coaching standards – the technical infrastructure that makes Olympic competition possible.

Multi-Sport Event Participation

Before the Olympics, Pickleball needs to prove itself at Pan Am Games, Asian Games, and World Games. These are stepping stones that show pickleball belongs on the biggest stage.

Pickleball Olympic Timeline: What to Expect

Here's the realistic timeline for pickleball Olympics:

• 2028 Los Angeles: Probably not, but you never know if LA decides to champion America's sport
• 2032 Brisbane: This is your best bet – realistic and achievable
• 2036 and beyond: Very likely if current growth continues
  

Conclusion

Pickleball at the Olympics isn't just hope anymore – it's a possibility with a realistic timeline. The sport you fell in love with in someone's backyard is now attracting millions of players, professional athletes, and celebrity endorsements.

You might not see it in 2028, but you'll probably see it in 2032. The growth you're witnessing about the game is undeniable, the professionalization you're seeing is happening, and the global expansion you're part of is accelerating.

Most importantly, the sport embodies everything the Olympics celebrate: accessibility, competition, international friendship, and pure athletic joy.

For you and millions of other pickleball fans worldwide, the Olympic dream isn't just alive – it's actively being built, one court and one player at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pickleball and Olympics

1. Has pickleball taken any steps toward Olympic inclusion?

Absolutely, and you can see these steps happening. The International Federation of Pickleball exists as your sport's global governing body, though it still needs official IOC recognition.

2. Is pickleball an Olympic sport in 2025?

No, pickleball is not an Olympic sport in 2025. While the sport has experienced unprecedented growth and professionalization, it hasn't yet met all IOC requirements for Olympic inclusion, including sufficient global participation and official IOC recognition of its governing body.

3. Could pickleball become an Olympic sport?

Yes, pickleball has strong potential to become an Olympic sport in the future. With over 36.5 million players in the US alone and rapid global expansion to over 60 countries, the sport is building the foundation needed for Olympic inclusion. However, it must meet specific IOC requirements including participation in 75 countries for men and 40 countries for women across multiple continents.

4. Could pickleball become an Olympic sport?

Yes, with 19.8 million US players in 2024 (a 311% increase over three years) and expansion to over 60 countries through the International Federation of Pickleball, your sport is developing the global reach needed for Olympic inclusion.

5. Does pickleball have enough global participation for the Olympics?

Not yet, but it's rapidly approaching the threshold. Currently played in over 60 countries, pickleball needs to reach 75 countries for men and 40 countries for women across multiple continents. With projected growth in China (potentially 100 million players within 5 years), Canada (1.37 million players in 2023), and Australia (1 million projected players), this requirement could be met by 2032.

6. When is the earliest we could see pickleball at the Olympics?

The most realistic timeline points to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics as the earliest potential inclusion. Australia's growing pickleball community (projected to reach 1 million players within 3 years) and the host city's ability to propose new sports create a promising opportunity. By 2032, pickleball may also meet the IOC's global participation requirements.