Pickleball’s Race for the Olympics: Pickleball leaders gathered on March 23, 2025, at the RacquetX conference in Miami, Florida, to talk about the sport’s future and the long road to joining the Olympic Games. Experts said global growth, youth appeal, and unity across nations are key for the sport to reach Olympic status.
At the RacquetX event, the session titled “The Next Gen: The Padel and Pickleball Race for Olympic Status” brought together several major sports leaders. The panel included Chandler Carney from the Global Pickleball Federation, Kevin Klipstein from US Squash, Robert Quicksilver from USA Pickleball, Renato Paiva from Access Youth Academy, and Ryan Redondo from Taktika Padel. They talked about what steps are needed and how pickleball can learn from other racquet sports on the same journey.
Olympic Status Needs Global Agreement
The panel explained that getting into the Olympics takes two major steps. First, a sport needs to be recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) through a worldwide governing body. Then, the sport can be chosen for a specific Olympic Games, usually with help from the host country.
The panelists made it clear that recognition alone is not enough. A sport must be played in many countries, have consistent rules, appeal to younger people, and offer regular international competition.
Building Pickleball Around the World
Even though pickleball has grown quickly in the United States, experts said the Olympic Committee looks for sports with worldwide popularity. Chandler Carney shared that the Global Pickleball Federation, which started less than two years ago, already has more than 60 countries involved.
Still, much more is needed. National groups need to grow stronger, and rules must be the same everywhere. More programs for young people in other countries are also very important. Businesses that are doing well in pickleball today should know that their success helps grow the sport globally — a key part of Olympic inclusion.
Younger Players and Big Media Matter
The IOC wants to include sports that attract young people and get attention from media. The panel noted that pickleball is starting to appeal to younger players and has been seen more on TV. Events such as amateur world championships have helped the sport grow in the public eye.
Still, a stronger global media presence and more youth programs are needed. While it helps that pickleball is big in the United States, it must be shown to be growing everywhere to gain Olympic attention.
It Takes Time and Patience
The experts said Olympic inclusion does not happen quickly. Even cricket, which is popular around the world, waited over 100 years to return to the Olympics.
The panel agreed that the next good chance for pickleball to make the Games may come in Brisbane 2032. That will only happen if the sport gets strong backing from the host country and its people.
In the meantime, the most important work is building the sport’s base. That means helping communities get involved, creating more programs for young people, and working with partners in other countries.
What This Means for Pickleball Operators
For pickleball business owners, the message is clear. Helping the sport grow worldwide and supporting the right rules and youth programs is not only good for the Olympics — it’s good for the sport’s future.
Staying united and thinking long-term will help everyone succeed. No matter how long the Olympic journey takes, growing the sport the right way is the best way forward.
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Race for the Olympics
At the RacquetX conference in Miami, experts said pickleball needs global unity, youth appeal, and strong governance to join the Olympics. The sport’s best chance may be Brisbane 2032. Business leaders can help by supporting international growth, youth programs, and shared rules across the world.
ALSO READ: Road to the Pickleball Olympics: The Social Media Hype