The classic question, “if you had to try and qualify for an Olympic sport, which one would you choose?” just got a few more options. Every Olympic host nation has the right to add more sports to the games. In Sydney 2000, tae kwon do, trampoline, triathlon and synchronised diving were added for the first time. In Tokyo 2021, it was karate, surfing, skateboarding and climbing.
The organising committee for Los Angeles 2028 has just added 5 new sports to the roster – cricket, flag football (a non-tackle version of NFL), baseball and softball, lacrosse and squash. For those wondering how you fit a whole cricket competition in an Olympics, it will be condensed with reports that the men’s and women’s competition will each have just six teams playing Twenty20.
Squash in an interesting story. There have been several previous applications to get Olympic status. Finally, it has succeeded.
The business story behind the sporting headline is fascinating. Reaching olympic status is a boon for all of these sports. For example, the NFL sees flag football’s inclusion as an opportunity to export American football to the world. At the same time, it can also be a boon for the Olympics. Adding cricket to the 2028 Olympics is expected to increase the value of the broadcasting rights in India alone by more than $100 million.
To make room for these new sports, others must give way. After reaching Olympic status and getting set to debut at Paris 2024, breakdancing will not be returning in 2028.
All of this movement puts the spotlight on Brisbane 2032. Australian sporting codes are already lobbying organisers to get included in the games. Both rugby union and rugby league are reportedly making bids, meanwhile Rugby 7’s is reportedly already included. Netball is seen as a likely inclusion, although its limited worldwide profile may work against it. Then there are some surprising sports that are lobbying: e-Sports, surf lifesaving, and pickle ball are all being considered. For a complete rundown of sports vying for Brisbane 2032 inclusion, Victoria University recently wrote about the possible inclusions for Brisbane.
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