The Paris 2024 Olympic Games concluded on August 11, bringing to a climax two weeks of competition, 329 medal events, and 1044 medals awarded with the United States and China head-to-head to end top of the medals’ leaderboard. Now, avid fans, athletes, and the best online bookmakers will turn their focus to Los Angeles, the city that will host the summer showpiece in four years.
The Olympic program will change in the next edition of the Games. Paris made waves by introducing sports like skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing. LA is set to continue that trend. In October 2023, the IOC’s Olympic Programme Commission (OPC) and Executive Board (EB) approved the inclusion of six sports in the Olympic program proposed by the LA28 Organizing Committee.
Baseball's Grand Return to the Olympics
Baseball is returning to the Olympic Games in LA 2028, and fans couldn’t be more thrilled. This sport has a rich Olympic history, first appearing as an exhibition event at the 1900 Paris Games. It then popped up as a demonstration sport in nine tournaments (1912, 1924, 1936, 1952, 1956, 1964, 1968, 1984, and 1988) before officially debuting at the 1992 Barcelona Games.
Japan beats US 2-0 to win 1st Olympic baseball gold medal
Cuba dominated the early years, winning the inaugural competition and topping the medals tally with three golds (1992, 1996, and 2004). After being dropped from the program post-2008 Beijing Games, baseball made a brief but memorable return at Tokyo 2020. Unfortunately, it missed out on Paris 2024, but now it’s back and better than ever for LA 2028!
Adding to the excitement, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has hinted at the possibility of major league players participating. Baseball, America’s beloved pastime, is set to captivate the world once again. The anticipation is building, and fans everywhere are eagerly counting down the days until baseball’s grand return to the Olympics.
Softball Swings Back
This sport, which shares a similar journey with baseball, made its Olympic debut at the 1996 Atlanta Games. It stayed in the spotlight until 2008, then made a thrilling return at Tokyo 2020, only to miss out on Paris 2024.
The return of both baseball and softball for the 2028 Games is likely influenced by Los Angeles hosting the event. World Baseball Softball Confederation President Riccardo Fraccari emphasized the sports’ rich tradition, global appeal, and immense popularity in the US, predicting they will be a massive hit in LA and beyond.
Softball’s Olympic history is marked by the United States’ early dominance, winning the first three gold medals, while Japan has claimed the most recent two. For LA 2028, softball will be an optional sport, with games set to be held in Oklahoma City, adding a unique twist to its Olympic comeback.
Cricket Hits a Six
Cricket is making a grand comeback to the Olympic stage at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, marking its first appearance since the 1900 Paris Games. Back then, the sport featured a single match between Great Britain and France, with only two of the four expected teams showing up. The match was a historic moment, but the lengthy format, which can stretch up to five days, posed challenges for the tightly packed Olympic schedule.
Cricket was played for the first time at the Olympics
Fast forward to 2028, and cricket enthusiasts have a lot to cheer about! The sport will be featured in both men’s and women’s tournaments, highlighting the exciting and fast-paced Twenty20 (T20) format. Unlike traditional cricket matches, T20 games are designed to be completed in just a few hours, with each team playing a single innings of 20 overs. This format not only fits perfectly into the Olympic schedule but also promises to deliver thrilling, edge-of-your-seat action.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been pushing for cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics for years, and their efforts have finally paid off. In 2021, the ICC announced its campaign for cricket’s return to the Olympic Games, and last fall, the LA organizing committee confirmed the sport’s presence at the 2028 event. This decision has been met with widespread excitement from fans around the world who have been eagerly awaiting cricket’s return to the global sporting arena.
Lacrosse Scores Big
Lacrosse is set to make a thrilling comeback to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028, marking its first official appearance in over a century. This dynamic sport, which made its Olympic debut at the St. Louis 1904 and London 1908 Games, has a rich history and deep roots in North America. Although it hasn’t been part of the official Olympic program since then, lacrosse did feature as a demonstration sport in Amsterdam in 1928, Los Angeles in 1932, and London in 1948.
This time, the competition will feature the World Lacrosse Sixes variant, a faster-paced and more exhilarating version of the traditional game. Teams of six players will compete in games consisting of four eight-minute quarters, ensuring a high-energy and engaging spectacle for all.
Canada, the reigning champion from the early 20th century Olympic lacrosse events, will be among the teams to watch. Both men’s and women’s tournaments will be held, displaying the incredible talent and athleticism of lacrosse players from around the world. As North America’s oldest sport, lacrosse’s return to the Olympics is not just a nod to its historical significance but also a celebration of its evolution and growing popularity.
Flag Football Touchdown
Get ready for an exciting new addition to the Olympic lineup: flag football! This dynamic sport, supported by the NFL, is set to captivate audiences around the world. According to USA Football CEO Scott Hallenbeck, the NFL has “surely rallied around the concept of flag football in the Olympics” as a fantastic opportunity to grow the sport globally.
Flag football offers a thrilling twist on traditional American football. Unlike the 11-on-11 format, the Olympic version will feature five-on-five teams, making the game faster and more accessible.
One of the key appeals of flag football is its non-contact nature. Instead of tackling, players remove one of two vinyl flags attached to the ball-carrier’s waist to stop the play. This makes the game safer while still retaining the excitement and strategy of traditional football. Each team has four attempts, known as downs, to reach the halfway line. If successful, they get another four downs to reach the endzone and score a touchdown. If they fail, the ball is turned over to the opposition, who start from their own five-yard line. After scoring a touchdown, worth six points, teams can go for an extra point by running or passing from the five-yard line, or attempt a two-point conversion from the 10-yard line. The game is played on a 50 by 25 yard field with two 10-yard end zones, ensuring fast-paced and high-scoring action.
Squash Hits the Nick
Squash is finally stepping onto the Olympic stage at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, marking a historic moment for the sport. After several previous attempts, squash will make its official debut as a singles event, bringing its fast-paced and intense gameplay to the global audience.
CIB Egyptian Squash Open
This indoor racket sport has been a staple in major international tournaments such as the Asian Games, Pan American Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Games. However, it has never before been included in the Olympic program, despite being a demonstration sport at the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games.
The World Squash Federation highlights Egypt, England, Australia, and Pakistan as the top performers in the sport. Egypt, a powerhouse in the world of squash, will be a nation to watch closely. Currently, two Egyptian players top the PSA world rankings: Ali Farag in the men’s category and Nour El Sherbini in the women’s. With such talent leading the charge, Egypt is poised to make a significant impact and vie for medals in Los Angeles.
Get Ready to Bet on the Best: LA 2028's New Sports Lineup is a Game-Changer
With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics on the horizon, the buzz around the six new sports is electric! Baseball and softball are stepping back, ready to hit home runs and steal hearts. Cricket is set to bowl everyone over with its thrilling T20 format. Lacrosse is gearing up for a fast break, unveiling its high-octane World Lacrosse Sixes variant. Flag football, promises to be a touchdown sensation with its five-on-five non-stop action. And let’s not forget squash, finally getting its moment in the Olympic spotlight, ready to serve up some intense and strategic gameplay.
These sports aren’t just making a comeback or debut; they’re bringing a whole new level of excitement and flair to the Games. As fans and athletes gear up for this spectacular event, it’s the perfect time to open an account at the best betting platform and get in on the action. The countdown to LA 2028 has begun, and the world is eagerly awaiting the unforgettable moments and fierce competition these new sports will bring to the Olympic arena.
