Will Pickleball Be in the Olympics? Here’s What We Know 🏅🔥

Nazim Louadah
May 14
2 min read

Pickleball is everywhere.Your neighbor plays.Your parents play.Your college professor’s in a Thursday night league.

It’s in rec centers, converted gyms, tennis clubs… even on cruise ships.But the question on everyone’s mind now?

“Is pickleball going to be an Olympic sport?”

Let’s break down the state of the sport, what needs to happen next, and what it means for the future of pickleball — in the U.S. and right here in Bloomington.

🏛️ First — No, It’s Not in the Olympics Yet

As of now, pickleball is not an Olympic event.

To be considered, a sport has to:

Be widely practiced internationally
Have an official governing body
Show consistency in competition formats
Maintain anti-doping protocols
Fit within the International Olympic Committee's event limits

It’s a long process.But here’s the kicker…

Pickleball is already checking boxes faster than anyone expected.

🌍 The Sport Is Going Global — Fast

The International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) now includes over 70 member countries
The APP and PPA Tours are gaining broadcast coverage
USA Pickleball is lobbying hard for recognition
Leagues like Major League Pickleball (MLP) have brought big-name investors — including LeBron James and Tom Brady

When major athletes and global federations are getting involved, it’s not a matter of if… it’s when.

Realistically? 2032 Summer Olympics in Brisbane is a potential landing spot.2028 in Los Angeles? Still a long shot — but not impossible.

🧠 Why It Actually Should Be an Olympic Sport

Here’s what makes pickleball a perfect Olympic candidate:

✅ Fast-paced and fun to watch

✅ Easy to understand for new fans

✅ Accessible across age groups

✅ Growing youth & collegiate pipeline

✅ Strong amateur tournament infrastructure

Plus… can we talk about doubles strategy and mixed events?Pickleball could easily mirror the excitement of table tennis, badminton, and beach volleyball.

🏫 What About High School and College Pickleball?

This is where the Olympic dream really starts.

More schools are starting pickleball clubs, intramurals, and varsity-style teams.In some states, it’s already an official P.E. and club sport.And colleges are catching on — with competitive circuits growing each semester.

At Bloomington Pickleball Warehouse, we already see IU students, Greek life players, and younger athletes mixing into leagues, DUPR events, and open play.

The youth movement isn’t coming.It’s already happening.