LA 2028 has made official the list of the proposed five disciplines to be included in the Olympic program in 2028. Among the sports that will be subject to a vote in the 114th Congress of the International Olympic Committee also include baseball and softball, together with cricket, lacrosse, flag football and squash.
The proposal from the US organizing committee will be examined by the IOC Executive which will meet from Thursday to Saturday in Mumbai (India), then it will have to be ratified in Congress, with the decision expected on Monday, October 16, 2023.
“The proposed sports ignite imagination on the field of play and promote culture beyond it. They are relevant, innovative and community-based. They will bring new athletes to the Games, engage diverse fans and expand the presence of the Games in digital spaces, further amplifying LA28's mission to deliver an unparalleled experience,” said Los Angeles 2028 Organizing Committee President Casey Wasserman.
The WBSC enthusiastically welcomed the announcement: "The inclusion of baseball and softball in the Los Angeles 2028 proposal is testament to the global appeal of our disciplines, made possible by the collaboration of our major interest groups, including professional leagues around the world. We are confident that both disciplines will be a great success with fans in the United States and around the world."
The last appearance of baseball and softball dates back to Tokyo 2020, with Italy's participation in the Olympic softball tournament two years ago. In 2024 at the Paris Olympic Games the disciplines that will be added to the program are sport climbing, skateboarding and surfing - all three already present in Tokyo, which with their inclusion in LA28 definitively enter the list of Olympic disciplines - and breakdancing making its debut.
