In October 2023, the International Olympic Committee voted to include flag football, baseball/softball, cricket, lacrosse, and squash in the competition events of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This decision has brought new development opportunities to these sports.
Due to their participation in the Pan - American Games, the American Baseball Association, Softball Association, and Squash Association are already members of the certified national governing bodies. However, the American Lacrosse Association and Cricket Association are still striving to obtain certification. Becoming a national governing body is a rigorous process involving multiple steps, including a comprehensive review by the compliance team of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee. The USA Football, which manages tackle football and flag football, has undergone careful evaluation to ensure that it has the financial resources to support American national team athletes, can provide a solid foundation for training and competitions, and meet the athlete safety standards.
The addition of these five sports to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is not only a recognition of the development of these sports but also an important measure for the Olympic Games to adapt to the trend of the times. It is believed that these sports will bring new highlights and excitement to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and promote the global development of these sports.
