Flag Football and Cricket Added to 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles In an exciting announcement, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has added five sports to the program for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The newly included sports are baseball-softball, lacrosse, squash, flag football, and, in a historic move, cricket. This decision was made after being proposed by Los Angeles officials and recommended by the IOC executive board. The addition of these sports is seen as a way to engage a wider audience and create opportunities for athletes from different backgrounds. Cricket, which has not been part of the Olympics since 1900, will make a return to the global stage. The decision to include cricket in the Olympic program was made in Mumbai, India, where the sport’s World Cup is currently taking place. This move is expected to significantly increase the value of India’s broadcasting rights for the IOC, making it a win-win situation for both parties. The cricket tournaments will feature six teams each, playing the fast-paced Twenty20 format. Flag football, a popular variation of American football, will also make its Olympic debut in 2028. This is an exciting prospect for the sport, as it could potentially showcase NFL players on the Olympic stage. The NFL has expressed its commitment to strengthening flag football’s position in the Olympic movement, recognizing its potential for international growth. Football was previously a demonstration sport at the 1932 Olympics when Los Angeles first hosted the Summer Games. Lacrosse, known as the first game played on the American continent by its native people, will return to the Olympics after a long absence. The sport has been played twice at the Olympics, with the last appearance in 1908. In Los Angeles, lacrosse will be played in a six-a-side format, adding a unique twist to the game. Squash, a sport that has previously failed to secure Olympic status, will finally have its debut in 2028. Squash enthusiasts have been advocating for its inclusion for years, and their persistence has paid off. This addition will provide an opportunity for squash players to compete on the grandest stage of all. While these new additions are cause for celebration, it’s important to note that breakdance, which made its Olympic debut in Paris next year, did not secure a spot in the 2028 program. The decision to prioritize team sports was emphasized during the voting process, highlighting the importance of collective experiences and building stronger bonds within professional leagues and tours. During the presentation, concerns were raised about the limited presence of these sports in Africa. However, flag football was identified as “the future and the tip of the spear for American football’s international growth” by L.A. sports director Niccolo Campriani, indicating that efforts will be made to expand the sport’s reach globally. Another key issue addressed during the presentation was immigration to the United States. Los Angeles officials assured IOC members that athletes from all passports and nationalities would be allowed to participate in the Summer Games. They expressed their commitment to making sure the country remains accessible to every athlete on Earth, highlighting the inclusivity and diversity that the Olympics represent. The presentation also touched upon political matters, which pushed the boundaries of the IOC’s preferred stance of political neutrality. Los Angeles organizing committee chairman Casey Wasserman addressed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war, expressing solidarity with both Ukraine and Israel, while also acknowledging the innocent civilians affected by the conflict in Gaza. Wasserman emphasized the importance of understanding and embracing differences, calling for respect and dignity in the face of challenges. While there were mixed reactions from IOC members regarding the political content of the presentation, it’s clear that Wasserman’s intentions were rooted in creating a sense of unity and solidarity. In addition to the new sports, IOC members confirmed that weightlifting and modern pentathlon will retain their places in the Olympic program. Weightlifting had faced scrutiny due to doping issues, while modern pentathlon has made adjustments by replacing the horse jumping element with obstacle course racing. Overall, the addition of flag football, cricket, lacrosse, squash, and the retention of weightlifting and modern pentathlon will undoubtedly add excitement and diversity to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. These sports will provide opportunities for athletes from various backgrounds to showcase their skills on the world stage. We look forward to welcoming, respecting, and celebrating all athletes and people when the games come to Los Angeles in 2028. Meta Description: The IOC has added flag football and cricket to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, providing new opportunities for athletes and expanding the diversity of sports on the global stage. Tag: Sports Law Suggested Featured Image: Diverse athletes competing in sports.