Will Pickleball Make its Olympic Debut By 2028?: As the sporting world eagerly anticipates the 2028 Summer Olympics, the potential inclusion of pickleball—a sport whose popularity has surged in recent years—has become a hot topic among Reddit enthusiasts and experts. Opinions vary widely on whether pickleball will make its Olympic debut by 2028 and what format it might take.
Feasibility and Timeline Concerns
Many fans are skeptical about pickleball’s immediate future in the Olympics. Some believe the sport is unlikely to be included in the 2028 Games due to its limited global reach and lack of international presence.
“It won’t be an Olympic sport in 2028. Already missed selection, and there aren’t enough countries playing it yet. It needs to grow in Asia first.” – (fan reaction)
Others suggest that 2032 or even 2036 might be more realistic targets. The consensus is that the sport’s growth and international organization are critical hurdles.
“2032 is possible, but 2036 is likely the first official date. And it’s likely no one playing today will be representing their country!” – (fan reaction)
Governance and Format Challenges
For pickleball to be recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), a well-established governing body and a standardized format are essential. Currently, pickleball lacks a unified international federation, which hampers its Olympic aspirations.
“There are so many considerations that the IOC stipulates that pickleball doesn’t meet. The biggest holdback is that there is no international federation or governing body.” – (commenter)
As the sport’s governance remains fragmented, debates about the format for potential Olympic competitions also arise. Two prominent formats, Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), have emerged, each with its unique structure.
MLP Vs. PPA: The Debate
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around whether the IOC would favor the MLP or PPA format if pickleball were to become an Olympic sport. Critics of MLP argue that its format, seen by some as chaotic and less respectful, does not align with the Olympic ethos of respect and sportsmanship.
“It’ll never be MLP. The Olympics is about respect, unity, and sportsmanship. MLP is a circus act. The PPA should be steering the ship.” – (fan reaction)
Conversely, some believe that neither MLP nor PPA will be relevant by the time pickleball potentially makes its Olympic debut.
“Both MLP and PPA are unprofitable and always will be. Neither will exist in 2036 when pickleball becomes an Olympic sport.” – (commenter)
Future Format Possibilities
Should pickleball be included in the Olympics, its format is expected to differ from current tournament styles.
“Olympic pickleball won’t be limited to four days like today’s tournaments. This opens up new possibilities for formats, likely involving pool play and potentially rules like best 2 out of 3 to 11 or best 3 out of 5 to 15.” – (expert)
News in Brief: Will Pickleball Make its Olympic Debut By 2028?
As discussions about pickleball’s inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics heat up, opinions are divided. Skeptics doubt its chances due to limited global presence and lack of a unified international federation, suggesting 2032 or 2036 as more realistic targets. Governance issues and format debates further complicate its Olympic bid, with disagreements over whether Major League Pickleball (MLP) or the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) would be preferable.
Some predict neither will be relevant by the time pickleball potentially enters the Olympics. If included, Olympic pickleball is expected to feature a new format, potentially involving pool play and revised scoring rules.
