Lacrosse And Flag Football Are Among The 5 New Proposed 2028 Olympic Sports

Lacrosse is among a handful of sports that have been lobbying to get Olympic attention. Now, they are getting it. Yesterday, The Guardian reported that lacrosse, cricket, squash, flag football, baseball and softball are among the new proposed sports in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, California.

The Olympic committee is considering this to be an addition of five sports (as opposed to six). Baseball and softball are in the same bucket. These sports are in a unique situation, basically working off a "by-games" experience. Meaning, baseball and softball were in the 2020 Olympic games. However, they were not selected for Paris 2024.

"They’re relevant, innovative and community-based, played in backyards, schoolyards, community centers, stadiums and parks across the US and the globe," Casey Wasserman, chairperson of the LA28 organizing committee said yesterday, in a quote shared by The Guardian.

USA Today reported, that fans should expect this good news to continue. "The International Olympic Committee is expected to consider, and almost certainly approve, the proposed new sports at its session in Mumbai, India over the next week," they said.

The NFL has been a strong advocate for adding flag football over the years. The NFL has been running a very successful and popular flag program for over 20 years. The Premier Lacrosse League has also been pushing for lacrosse to be among the new sports in the 2028 Olympics. This has been led by arguably the sport's most recognizable player in history, (and PLL Co-Founder) Paul Rabil.

In fact, yesterday, Rabil was vocal about this Olympic advancement on his Instagram, relaying how this would be the first time lacrosse is played in the Olympics since 1908. Rabil called it "a transformative movement for the game."

Adding cricket to the mix also has a business value benefit. USA Today explained how cricket is among the most popular sports in India. According to USA Today, he Olympic committee has longed to gain popularity in that region of the world.

Adding these new sports to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles “will bring new athletes to the Games, engage diverse fanbases and expand the Games’ presence in digital spaces, further amplifying LA28’s mission to deliver an unparalleled experience,” Casey Wasserman said.

The Premier Lacrosse League just wrapped up their quarterfinal playoffs weekend at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. While sitting in the second row of section 107 on Labor Day, I thought of four reasons why the PLL will continue to popularize professional lacrosse in America. The final game saw the Cannons defeating the Atlas. You may remember the Cannons from when they were the "Boston Cannons" in Major League Lacrosse.

The Cannons are the only PLL club that migrated over from the MLL.  This merger occurred in late 2020. PLL Co-Founder Paul Rabil (who is the most well-known lacrosse name in the country) was a Cannons player from 2008 – 2014. He also finished his career in the PLL, playing for one year on the Cannons.

Now, the PLL is winding down its fifth season. They have a mainstream distribution partnership with ESPN. Champion makes their popular merchandise. Furthermore, they are focusing on the little things each year to make the necessary steps to grow the sport.

I attended a few different PLL events last season. While my kids and I certainly enjoyed the experience, I was surprised that the league did not leverage the popularity of local youth programs in each state. This year, my son's club program was quickly offered the opportunity to attend the playoff round via a group rate. Upon roaming the stadium, I noticed many of his club-mates as they all opted to wear their team shorts or shirt. This is a simple (but super-impactful) win. In addition, the PLL offered a clinic prior to the playoff games, where three players from there pro teams would come out and teach kids for an hour. They would conclude the session by signing autographs and taking pictures. Resonating with the youth of today will be key to bringing the sport to a wider fanbase in the decades to come.

Let's be clear on something, these are the best lacrosse players in the country. Most of them were drafted into this professional league straight out of major division one college programs. After every game, kids swarm down the ailes and into the front rows of the stadium. The players then make their way over and sign as many autographs as possible. Given this past weekend was the playoffs, many players on the losing team also gave away their gear. Jerseys and gloves were thrown into the stands. Some players went as far as signing their sticks or stick heads, and then giving it to one lucky fan. These are memorable moments (and memorabilia items) every young sports fan cherishes forever.

There are eight different teams in the PLL. Each of them is uniquely branded and named. In addition, they each have engaging color schemes and logos that get frequent updates. From the retro jersey games, to the alternate uniforms, the Premier Lacrosse League has done an excellent job keeping their merch interesting - and collectible. You can customize the jersey you buy or select your favorite player to support. Of the eight teams, none of their nicknames are seen in any other professional sport. You can order it via their website or at pick it up at the merch booths at games.

Sure, a nail-biter of a game is preferred, but even a blowout features constant can't miss plays. On Labor Day, Wes Berg of the Redwoods hit a no-look, behind the back goal that was simply jaw-dropping. In youth lacrosse, the male players wear helmets, elbow pads, gloves, and a chest protector. At the pro level, the chest protector is typically eliminated from the gear, making the way these athletes control their bodies even more impressive. The competition is fierce, and you are quickly reminded that you are witnessing professional athletes mastering their craft.

The league clearly has a multi-year plan. You can see them following a "trust the process" philosophy at its working. Each season you see improved little things that make a big difference. For example, the tailgating fan zone was a lacrosse players dream this year. Gear was on display, dunk tanks, and partners demonstrated the latest technology the sport has to offer. The next phase of the PLL is that they will assign home cities to each of the eight teams next season. Although, they will continue the traveling tour model (for now) the anticipation is building as to which cities in the country will be awarded a pro team. A fan vote will help determine which of the 26 finalists will be the home cities. This should then generate an entirely new opportunity to launch more gear.