Will the day ever come when pickleball, spreading rapidly worldwide, becomes an Olympic sport?
Born on Bainbridge Island, Washington, USA in 1965, this sport has spread enthusiasts around the world in about 60 years, and in the US the participant population expanded to about 24.3 million in 2025. Against this momentum, hopes for Olympic inclusion are rising, but realizing it faces several hurdles, such as unifying the international governing bodies and proving worldwide adoption. This article organizes the realistic path to adoption and how close inclusion currently is, based on the latest information as of June 2026.
The Realistic Timeline to Olympic Adoption [Quick Table]
First, let's grasp chronologically which Games have the possibility of adoption. To conclude, it is 2032 at the earliest, and there is still no confirmed schedule.
| Tournaments | Adoption Outlook | Situation |
|---|---|---|
| 2028 Los Angeles | Non-adoption confirmed | The five additional sports were already decided in 2023. Pickleball is not included |
| 2032 Brisbane | Room for a proposal exists, but undecided | A framework where the host city can propose additional sports. The final program will be deliberated after the end of 2026 |
| 2036 Host Undecided | The next realistic target | If the governing bodies are unified and adoption is in place, it becomes a strong candidate Games |
The 2028 Los Angeles Games Confirmed as Passed Over
Pickleball's adoption at the 2028 Los Angeles Games was not realized.
The additional sports for the Los Angeles Games were confirmed at the IOC Session in October 2023, with five sports approved: baseball/softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse, and squash. Because the Olympic sports program is finalized well before the Games, there is no room for pickleball to be added later here.
Source AP, "IOC approves five new sports for LA28"Created from
The 2032 Brisbane Games Has "Room for a Proposal" but Is Undecided
Drawing attention next is the 2032 Brisbane Games.
The IOC has indicated a policy of giving the host city's organizing committee an opportunity to propose additional sports. Enthusiasts are also increasing in host country Australia, and if the organizing committee pushes pickleball, the possibility of a debut emerges. However, it is not at a stage where one can conclude that "2032 is most likely." Brisbane's final competition program will be deliberated after the end of 2026, and formal decision is expected to come after that. Whether the proposal passes depends on how far the unification of the organization, described below, progresses.
What Needs to Be in Place by the 2036 Games
The 2036 Games host has not yet been decided, but in the long term it is a strong candidate.
What should be in place by then are the unification of the world governing body and a track record of adoption without regional disparity. National federations are advancing the development of governance and adoption over a span of several years, and even if adoption in 2032 is passed over, the track record built up in the meantime will support the adoption decision for 2036 and beyond. Conversely, unless the organizations get in step, there is also the possibility that only the year keeps getting pushed back.
The Conditions the IOC Requires for Sport Adoption, and the Current Situation
To be recognized as an Olympic sport, several conditions set by the IOC must be met. Let's look at pickleball's current position for each condition.
| Main Conditions | Pickleball's Current Situation |
|---|---|
| Unification of the International Governing Body | The IPF and WPF have agreed to merge. On the other hand, the GPF also stands in parallel, and complete unification is in progress |
| Worldwide Adoption | About 77 national and regional organizations belong to the IPF, and about 52 to the GPF. Regional disparities remain |
| Anti-Doping System | Development is still at an early stage. Building a testing system on the pro tours is a challenge |
| Unified Rules and Rankings | There are differences by league and continent, and standardization is in progress |
Unification of the International Governing Body Is Still in Progress
The IOC places importance on one international federation governing one sport.
In pickleball, the IPF (International Pickleball Federation) and the WPF (World Pickleball Federation) have agreed to merge, and the move to unify the world governing body is progressing. On the other hand, the GPF (Global Pickleball Federation), launched in 2023 under USA Pickleball's leadership, stands in parallel as a separate framework, and it cannot be said that the world has come together into one organization. Establishing this "one voice" structure is the biggest point of contention toward inclusion.
Source International Pickleball Federation (the background of the federation merger and the GPF's launch)Created from
How Far Has Worldwide Adoption Progressed?
The breadth of adoption is an important factor in deciding Olympic inclusion.
The countries and regions belonging to the governing bodies number about 77 for the IPF and about 52 for the GPF. However, regions where the actual participant population is limited despite having a member organization remain, and grassroots-level adoption is a challenge in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and South America. The circumstances of each country and region are explored in region-specific articles such asEuropeandSouth Korea、Australiaand others.
Development of Anti-Doping and Unified Rules
Proof of being a clean sport and the standardization of rules are also essential.
Building a testing system in line with the World Anti-Doping Code is at a stage that will begin in earnest from now, including on the pro tours. Along with this, the unification of competition rules and international rankings, which differ by league and continent, is being advanced. The building of a foundation of sports governance, such as a referee certification system and the management of official records, continues steadily.
Tailwinds Boosting Inclusion
While there are challenges, the conditions boosting inclusion are also coming together.
The Rapid Expansion of the Participant Population
The US participant population grew from about 19.8 million in 2024 to about 24.3 million in 2025.
In recent years, it has had momentum enough to be called "the fastest-growing sport in America," and the construction of new dedicated courts continues everywhere. Some point out that the pace of growth is settling down somewhat, but it still maintains a high level and is raising its presence as a globally popular sport.
Source Pickleball in the United States (SFIA participant population data)Created from
The Traits of Being Multigenerational, Mixed-Gender, and Space-Saving
For host cities, pickleball is an easy sport to handle.
Because it works in about a quarter of the space of a tennis court, existing facilities are easy to convert, and post-tournament maintenance costs can be kept down. It also matches the IOC's policy of emphasizing the inclusion of younger people, and its inclusiveness—where people can enjoy the same court regardless of age or gender—has an affinity with the Olympic ideals.
Development of the International Governing Body Is Progressing
Toward the "one voice" structure that is the biggest barrier, the move to merge is itself advancing.
The IPF-WPF merger agreement is the first step in bringing the world together into one. How to sort out the relationship with the remaining GPF is the focus going forward, but the very fact that momentum to unify the organization is rising is a factor bringing inclusion closer to reality.
Challenges Standing in the Way of Realization
That said, there are still walls to overcome.
Competition Over Limited Adoption Slots
There is an upper limit on the number of Olympic sports, and the slots for new sports are limited.
Already approved sports and other additional candidates are also aiming for Olympic inclusion, and the relatively new pickleball tends to be at a disadvantage in competition with sports that have a long history. The key is how to win the host city's additional-sport slot.
Uneven Adoption by Region
The number of member organizations alone does not make it a truly global sport.
In parts of Africa, the Middle East, and South America, the participant population is limited even where organizations exist. There are also regions where equipment is hard to obtain, and it is necessary to expand the actual player population through grassroots support programs.
Expansion of Media Exposure and Commercial Value
To be recognized as a sport, commercial value is also called into question.
In the US, pro tours have come to be televised, but international media exposure is still developing. Business-side growth such as acquiring sponsors, establishing international broadcasting rights, and building a digital presence is also a condition supporting inclusion. For trends in pro leagues, see thethe explainer on MLPandlist of international tournamentsplease also have a look.
The Relationship Between Japanese Pickleball and the Olympics
The topic of inclusion may seem like a distant world, but it is actually directly connected to Japanese enthusiasts too.
Adoption is accelerating domestically as well, with reports that the participant population reached 50,000 and active clubs 400, expanding at a fivefold pace in one year. Organizationally, the Japan Pickleball Association (JPA) and the Japan Pickleball Federation announced a basic agreement toward a merger, and the creation of a unified domestic body has begun to move. On the facility front, one of America's largest dedicated clubs, "The Picklr," announced its entry into Japan, and the development of dedicated facilities such as the "VIP Indoor Pickleball Club" in Koto Ward is also progressing.
If inclusion is realized, in Japan too, in addition to direct effects such as developing national players and attracting international tournaments, attention to it as a sport will rise a notch further. The current move of a unified domestic body coming into place and dedicated facilities increasing amounts to laying that foundation. For the health appeal behind adoption and the future outlook, seethe state of pickleball in Japanand for the structure of the bodies, seeJPA overview.
Source PR TIMES, "JPA and PJF Announce Basic Agreement Toward Merger"／Fitness Business, "Pickleball Business Development and Research Seminar"Created from
The topic of "when will it enter the Olympics" generates excitement, but the biggest point of attention is actually the unification of the organization. Until it is decided how to sort out the IPF-WPF merger and the parallel GPF, discussion of adoption cannot move forward. The trick to reading inclusion is to follow governance news rather than predictions of the date.
FAQ
When will pickleball become an Olympic sport?
There is no confirmed timing. Adoption was passed over at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, and the 2032 Brisbane Games has room for a proposal but is undecided. It is 2032 at the earliest, and realistically the 2036 Games is also seen as the next target.
Why wasn't it adopted at the 2028 Los Angeles Games?
The additional sports for the Los Angeles Games were confirmed in 2023 as five sports—baseball/softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse, and squash—and pickleball was not included. Because the competition program is finalized well before the Games, there was no room to add it later.
What is the biggest challenge right now to becoming an Olympic sport?
The unification of the world governing body. The IPF and WPF have agreed to merge, but the separate GPF also stands in parallel, and the structure the IOC emphasizes—"one federation governing one sport"—is not completely in place. Worldwide adoption without regional disparity is also required.
How widespread is pickleball in Japan?
The participant population is reported at 50,000 and active clubs at 400, expanding at a fivefold pace in one year. Organizational development is also progressing, such as the Japan Pickleball Association (JPA) and the Japan Pickleball Federation announcing a basic agreement toward a merger.
Summary: The Keys to Adoption Are "Unification of the Organization" and "Worldwide Adoption"
Pickleball's Olympic inclusion has entered a stage of realistic discussion that will advance if the conditions come together.
Adoption at the 2028 Los Angeles Games was passed over, but the 2032 Brisbane Games has room for a proposal, and if things are not in place, the 2036 Games becomes the next target. Holding the keys to adoption are the organizational issue of how to unify the IPF-WPF merger and the parallel GPF, and worldwide adoption that closes regional disparities. The rapidly expanding participant population and the traits of being space-saving and enjoyable across generations fit well with the values the modern Olympics seek.
In Japan too, the merger of bodies and the development of dedicated facilities are progressing, and if inclusion is realized, adoption will accelerate further. There is still no confirmed timing, but what should be watched is the unification of the organization and the progress of adoption rather than predictions of the year. By following these two moves, you can calmly gauge how close pickleball is to the Olympics.
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- What Is the Japan Pickleball Association (JPA)? Overview, Activities and How to Join
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