The International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved the new sports put forward by LA2028 at the IOC Session held in Mumbai today. This followed consideration by the IOC’s Olympic Programme Commission and a recommendation from the IOC Executive Board over the weekend.

AOC President Ian Chesterman says the six sports will bring even greater diversity to the Olympic programme.

“There’s a wonderful opportunity here in Australia and across the globe for all these sports to capture new audiences and participants. I know they are all very excited about the prospect. The beauty of the Olympic sports programme is that there is something for everyone,” Mr Chesterman said.

“Of course, each sport will now need to navigate a qualifying process in order for their athletes to take their place in the Australian Olympic Team heading to Los Angeles. That will vary from sport to sport, but we now have certainty in terms of the programme and what lies ahead for the athletes to realise their Olympic dreams.

“With these additions for LA2028, we see the gender balance for the Olympic programme in action.

“The addition of cricket to the programme is particularly exciting for Australian fans and players alike, given Australia’s long-standing passion for the sport.

“Baseball and softball return after last appearing at Tokyo 2020 where our softball players, with their proud Olympic history, represented Australia with pride. Our baseball Team, which narrowly missed qualification for Tokyo, will now have that opportunity to earn their spot in Los Angeles.

“Lacrosse has been played in Australia since the 19th century and has a dedicated following and we have a fine record of success internationally.

“Squash has long been part our sports scene, producing some of our sporting legends and has been part of our Commonwealth Games team on seven occasions. Now is its Olympic moment.

“And Flag Football, is a new and growing sport as a non-tackle form of American Football. I think Australians will be keen to learn more as the sport grows its local roots here.”

Baseball – Glenn Williams, CEO Baseball Australia

"We're obviously excited. This allows Australia to solidify high performance plans for the national programs.  We've been working under an assumption that baseball will be included but there was still an element of uncertainty. It makes planning for our next tournament cycle real and tangible. All the hypothetical plans are gone - they are now concrete."

Cricket – Nick Hockley, CEO Cricket Australia

"We are thrilled. This is a game-changer for our sport that is already among the fastest growing in the world. The Olympic Games will undoubtedly increase the global reach of cricket, inspiring a whole new generation to love and play the game.

“The opportunity to win an Olympic medal also provides a new and exciting opportunity for our champion women’s and men’s teams.

“We look forward to working with the Australian Olympic Committee in the lead-up to the Los Angeles Games and are hopeful this will be the start of a long-standing relationship between cricket and the Olympics, including for Brisbane 2032."

Flag Football – Wade Kelly, CEO Gridiron Australia

“It’s an extremely exciting time for Flag Football here in Australia and indeed the other 100 plus countries playing it around the world.

“Australians are going to fall in love with this sport and we 100% have the sporting talent to take down the USA in LA2028.”

Lacrosse – Abbie Brice, CEO Lacrosse Australia

"This is a dream come true for our Australian and global lacrosse community. We are united in our excitement for the sport’s return to the Olympics in LA28. Lacrosse has a beautifully unique Native American origin and a now modern youthful relevancy. We are thrilled to bring our fast-paced game to the world’s greatest sports stage as we wholly embrace this new era."

Softball – Sarah Loh, CEO Softball Australia

“Being included in the Olympic Games programme will provide an immeasurable boost to grassroots participation and the ongoing sustainability of our sport in Australia. This announcement will inspire a new generation of kids to pick up a bat, ball and glove and ignite their own Olympic dream. The hard work starts now to embrace this opportunity and ensure Australia’s qualification and peak performance at the Games.”

Squash – Robert Donaghue, CEO Squash Australia

“This is a historic and hugely exciting day for our sport. Squash has such a rich history, it's a truly global game and a great pastime for participants of all ages and abilities. This announcement will not only be an inspiration to our current crop of players but provides incredible incentive and opportunity for a whole new generation."