Revolutionary Additions to the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics: Flag Football, Cricket, and Squash Take Center Stage!

Flag football has been included in the official lineup of sports for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. The announcement was made during the 141st International Olympic Committee (IOC) session in Mumbai, where it was revealed that flag football, along with baseball/softball, cricket, lacrosse, and squash, would be added to the Olympic program.

Flag football and squash will make their debut in the Olympic Games, marking the first time these sports will be included. Cricket was previously featured in the Paris Olympics in 1900, while lacrosse made appearances in St. Louis 1904 and London 1908. Baseball and softball have also been included in several Olympics, with their most recent presence being in the Tokyo 2020 Games held in 2021. "The selection of these five new sports aligns with American sports culture and aims to showcase iconic American sports worldwide, while also introducing international sports to the United States. These sports will contribute to the uniqueness of the LA28 Olympic Games," stated IOC president Thomas Bach.

Including them will enable the Olympic Movement to connect with new athlete and fan communities in the US and worldwide. The IOC stated that multiple criteria were considered to determine the addition of these five sports, such as the sport's popularity both in the US and across the globe.

Flag football, baseball, softball, and lacrosse are typically well-loved sports in the United States.

Lacrosse will be played in the sixes format, which is a more dynamic and condensed version of the sport combining elements of field and box lacrosse. As stated by World Lacrosse, this format provides an inclusive platform for all lacrosse athletes and a simpler introduction for beginners. It is characterized by its fast-paced, open style of play, featuring rapid transitions and continuous, high-scoring action.

Developed in 2018, sixes has revolutionized cricket by promoting global growth, enhancing accessibility and approachability, fostering competitive balance, and streamlining participation and event staging. This shortened format of the game represents the future of cricket. Despite its global popularity, cricket in the US saw limited interest until earlier this year when Major League Cricket introduced its inaugural season, highlighting the shorter format of the game.

"I have always held the belief that Los Angeles possesses a remarkable potential to create the utmost captivating Games, not only for ourselves but for the entire world. Our comprehensive Olympic sport program stands as a testament to this conviction," commented Casey Wasserman, the chairperson of the 2028 Games organizing committee.

"We are thrilled to embark on groundbreaking partnerships with renowned professional leagues, unleashing tremendous opportunities to magnify the Olympic and Paralympic narrative and captivate fresh audiences."