Discover whether pickleball is an Olympic sport in 2025. Learn about its IOC recognition, demonstration appearances at multi-sport events, and what’s next for pickleball on the world stage.

Pickleball, while rapidly expanding globally, the sport is still yet to reach relevance in the world of sports, especially when it comes to women’s involvement. The sport has seen substantial growth in regions like North America and Europe, but its reach in other continents, like Asia, Africa, and South America, is still in the early stages compared to other well-established Olympic sports. Although numbers are very optimistic: from 1.3 billion dollars in market revenue in 2023 to 1.8 billion dollars in 2025 and projections estimating the sport to reach almost 4 billion dollars in market revenue by 2032 according to Statista and Market.us

Credits - Pickleball Market Revenue Projections - Market.us

Sources such as CNBC also highlight the insane growth of this sport, pointing out that pickleball courts have increased by 650% in the last few years (a number supported by a report done by the Trust for Public Land). Cities such as Louisville, Kentucky; Madison, Wisconsin and Honolulu, Hawaii are the leading cities on the list of most pickleball courts in the United States. 

Is Pickleball an Olympic Sport?

As of May 2025, pickleball has not yet been included in the Olympic Games. Despite its significant growth in recent years, the sport has not met the necessary criteria for inclusion set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC has specific requirements for a sport to be considered for Olympic recognition. These include the need for a sport to be widely practiced by men in at least 75 countries across four continents and by women in at least 40 countries across three continents.

Despite the challenges the sport faces, the growing popularity of pickleball suggests that it could be included in future Olympic Games. In recent years, there has been a surge in interest and participation, particularly in the United States.

With millions of players across different age groups, including increasing numbers of professional and recreational players, the sport is showing significant potential to meet the IOC’s geographical requirements over time. The sport’s rise has also been fueled by increased media coverage, the expansion of international tournaments, and growing corporate sponsorships, all of which play an important role in boosting its profile.

What are the Olympic recognition requirements

For a sport to be considered for inclusion in the Olympics, it must fulfill several key criteria outlined by the IOC:

1. Global Popularity: The sport must be widely practiced by men in at least 75 countries across four continents and by women in at least 40 countries across three continents

2. International Federation: There must be an international governing body that oversees the sport's global operations and ensures uniformity in rules and regulations.​

3. Compliance with Olympic Charter: The sport must adhere to the Olympic Charter, which includes commitments to the World Anti-Doping Code and the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competition.

4. Demonstrated Popularity and Growth: The sport should show a consistent increase in participation and viewership, indicating its potential to attract a global audience.​

Currently, pickleball is represented by multiple organizations vying for recognition as the sport's international governing body. This lack of a unified governing body complicates the process of meeting the IOC's criteria for Olympic inclusion

Timeline & Future Prospects

Short-Term Outlook

The upcoming Olympic Games in Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 are not feasible opportunities for pickleball's inclusion. The selection process for these Games has already concluded, and the sports program is set. Therefore, pickleball will not be featured in these editions of the Olympics.

Medium-Term Outlook

Looking ahead, the Brisbane 2032 Olympics present a more viable opportunity for pickleball's inclusion. The host city has proposed an indicative program that includes several new sports to appeal to younger audiences. While the final decision rests with the IOC, the inclusion of new sports in recent Games indicates a willingness to consider emerging sports like pickleball.

Long-Term Outlook

Beyond 2032, the prospects for pickleball's inclusion in the Olympics will depend on several critical factors that need to align for the sport to meet the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) standards.

Unified Governance is one of the most significant hurdles. Currently, multiple organizations represent different aspects of the sport, but for pickleball to gain serious recognition, there must be a single, internationally recognized governing body. This body must oversee the uniformity of rules and regulations and manage global competitions, ensuring consistency in the sport’s development across all regions. This level of organization is vital for the IOC to consider pickleball for Olympic inclusion.

Global Expansion is another crucial factor. While the sport has witnessed rapid growth in certain countries, it must continue to expand in underrepresented regions, such as parts of Asia, Africa, and South America. Expanding its presence on these continents will strengthen pickleball's global reach and increase its appeal to the IOC, which requires a sport to be practiced in a broad geographic area.

Media and Sponsorship will also play a significant role. As pickleball garners more media attention and attracts sponsorship deals, it will demonstrate its commercial viability, which is key for long-term success and inclusion. If these factors align, pickleball could be considered for the 2036 Olympics or beyond, joining the ranks of other emerging sports.

Some Key Takeaways for Enthusiasts

Stay Informed - As pickleball continues to expand globally, staying up to date with news from governing bodies like the Global Pickleball Federation and regional federations is essential. Tracking milestones—such as new country affiliations, IOC engagement, and inclusion in multi-sport games—helps you understand where the sport stands in its Olympic journey.

Get Involved - Your participation matters. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive athlete, joining local clubs, attending sanctioned tournaments, or even volunteering at events contributes to pickleball’s visibility and growth. International exposure is one of the core metrics the IOC evaluates—grassroots participation fuels that momentum.

Advocate for the growth of the Sport - Support initiatives that aim to unify pickleball’s fragmented governance structure across countries and continents. Encourage standardization of rules, push for greater representation in sports federations, and back efforts to include pickleball in continental and global competitions. A unified voice will strengthen the sport’s Olympic bid.

Be Patient but Persistent - Olympic recognition is a rigorous, multi-year process. It involves extensive lobbying, proof of global reach, and alignment with the International Olympic Committee’s values and structure. While the sport’s popularity is surging, fans and players alike must understand that Olympic inclusion won't happen overnight, but each step counts.

Pessimistic Approach - While pickleball is not yet an Olympic sport, the trajectory is promising. With growing international interest, increasing professionalization, and momentum behind unifying governance, it is positioned to be a strong candidate in the coming years. Continued dedication from the community will help ensure that one day, pickleball earns its place on the Olympic stage.