As pickleball continues to be the fastest-growing sport in the United States, many fans are left wondering, “Why isn’t pickleball in the Olympics?” Despite its rapid growth and increasing fan base, pickleball has yet to secure a spot in the prestigious Olympic Games. After all, we have seen sports like skateboarding and breakdancing added to the events.  And 2028 is slated to welcome squash, lacrosse, flag football, cricket, softball and baseball.  Let’s dive into the reasons behind this and explore what it will take for pickleball to achieve Olympic recognition.

The Path to Getting Pickleball in the Olympics

International Olympic Committee (IOC) Recognition

For pickleball to be included in the Olympics, it must first be recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This involves meeting several stringent criteria related to the sport’s governance. Key requirements include having an international federation that oversees the sport, widespread global participation, and strict adherence to the Olympic Charter. Seymour Rifkin, president of the World Pickleball Federation remarked “I know for a fact that the IOC is very interested in pickleball. That is an absolute fact. The IOC, like any big international business, is interested in thriving and continuing to be the epitome event in sports.”

Global Popularity and Participation

While pickleball is experiencing a surge in popularity, particularly in the United States, it needs to demonstrate a broader, more widespread global participation. The IOC mandates that a sport must have a significant presence across multiple continents and countries. Currently, pickleball is still working on expanding its reach to meet these global standards. We have seen huge growth of Pickleball in Mexico, as well as in the rest of the world.

Established History and Tradition

One of the challenges pickleball faces is the competition with other established sports that have long histories in the Olympics. These sports have deep roots and significant historical significance, which often gives them a stronger case for inclusion. Pickleball, being relatively new, is still building its historical foundation and legacy. Some sports, such as tennis, feel a bit threatened by the growth. “On a club level, tennis is endangered,” Novak Djokovic said recently. “If we don’t do something about it, globally or collectively, paddle, pickleball in the States, they’re gonna convert all the tennis clubs into paddle and pickleball. Because it’s more economical.”

Lengthy Application Process

The process for a sport to be included in the Olympics is complex and time-consuming. It involves multiple stages of application and review. Sports must first be proposed for inclusion by their international federation. They then undergo a rigorous evaluation by the IOC, which assesses various aspects such as youth appeal, universality, popularity, and governance. Pickleball’s international governing bodies are actively working towards meeting these requirements. Which brings up another issue…

Too Many Governing Bodies

Pickleball currently has three International governing bodies:  The International Pickleball Federation (IPF), The Global Pickleball Federation (GPF), and Rifkin’s The World Pickleball Federation (WPF).  The WPF is trying to negotiate a merger of all three organizations. This would make the process easier as the Olympic Charter only allows one governing body to represent and regulate a sport worldwide. If the merger was successful, this could move pickleball onto the stage for the 2028 games. But that would require a little more effort…

Aligning with the Olympic Agenda

The IOC periodically reviews and updates the Olympic program to maintain a balance of different types of sports, ensuring the program remains modern and appealing. New sports must compete with other potential candidates and align with the current priorities of the IOC. For pickleball to be considered, it must demonstrate its appeal and relevance to the modern Olympic movement. Per the Olympic Charter (PDF), to become an Olympic sport it must be “practiced by men in at least 75 countries across four continents and by women in at least 40 countries across three continents”. As of the summer of 2024, that number lies at players in 60 countries on six continents. To be included this alignment needs to happen three years before the next Olympics. Because of this, some feel that it may miss the deadline for 2028.

The Future of Pickleball in the Olympics

As pickleball continues to grow and potentially meet these criteria, there is a hopeful future for its inclusion in the Olympic Games. The sport’s governing bodies and enthusiastic community are working tirelessly to promote and expand pickleball’s reach globally.

For now, pickleball fans can continue to enjoy the sport’s exciting growth and look forward to the day when it might take its place on the world’s biggest sporting stage. Keep following the journey of pickleball as it strives for Olympic recognition and continues to captivate players and spectators around the world.

The journey to getting pickleball in the Olympics is challenging but not impossible. With increasing global participation, a strong governing body, and alignment with the Olympic agenda, pickleball could one day become an Olympic sport. Stay tuned and keep playing!

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