Official: Lacrosse Returns to the Olympics in 2028. After a long absence, lacrosse is making its return to the Olympic Games, set to be featured in the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics.
This marks the sport’s first Olympic appearance since 1908, a milestone eagerly anticipated by the global lacrosse community.
A Historic Comeback
Lacrosse was first introduced as an Olympic sport in 1904 in St. Louis, followed by another appearance in 1908 in London.
Although it has since been featured as a demonstration sport in the 1928, 1932, and 1948 Olympics, lacrosse has been absent from the official roster for over a century.
The inclusion of lacrosse in LA28 represents a significant achievement for the sport, which has gained popularity worldwide, being played in nearly 100 countries (Olympics) (USA Lacrosse).
Related: Is Lacrosse an Olympic Sport? Find Out Here!
Lacrosse Sixes: The Chosen Format
For the 2028 Olympics, lacrosse will be presented in a new format called “Lacrosse Sixes.” This version of the sport is designed for fast-paced action, with smaller teams, shorter games, and a more dynamic flow.
Lacrosse Sixes features fewer players than traditional field lacrosse, making it more spectator-friendly with a focus on speed, agility, and high scoring.
This modern format was developed with the goal of making lacrosse more accessible and exciting for a global audience (USA Lacrosse) (Olympics).
A Key Addition to LA28’s Diverse Sports Lineup
Lacrosse was one of five sports added to the 2028 Olympics by the Los Angeles Organizing Committee.
Alongside baseball/softball, cricket, flag football, and squash, lacrosse was selected as part of a package reflecting the diverse sports culture of the U.S.
The inclusion of these sports highlights LA28’s commitment to showcasing both iconic American sports and international favorites (Olympics).
Growth and Global Impact
The inclusion of lacrosse in the 2028 Olympics is expected to provide a significant boost to the sport’s global presence.
With World Lacrosse, the sport’s international governing body, working tirelessly toward Olympic inclusion for nearly two decades, this achievement is seen as a pivotal moment.
Olympic recognition will likely lead to increased investment in lacrosse programs, both in the U.S. and internationally, with the potential for more government support for national teams across the globe (USA Lacrosse).
Looking Ahead to LA28
The 2028 Games promise to be a historic event for lacrosse, offering a global stage to celebrate the sport’s heritage and showcase its evolution.
The focus on Lacrosse Sixes, with its fast-paced and inclusive nature, is expected to captivate both seasoned fans and new audiences.
The journey to bring lacrosse back to the Olympics reflects the sport’s enduring legacy and its bright future on the world stage (Olympics) (USA Lacrosse).
Lacrosse’s return to the Olympics signals a new era for the sport, bringing it full circle from its roots in North America to a worldwide phenomenon ready to take center stage in Los Angeles.
Related: Women’s Professional Lacrosse League: Empowering Athletes and Growing the Sport.
