On November 22nd in Pickleball History, a momentous event occurred in 2025 that forever changed the landscape of the sport. It was the day when the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) officially announced that pickleball would be included as a demonstration sport in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California.

The announcement came after years of tireless efforts by pickleball enthusiasts, players, and organizations to push for the sport's inclusion in the Olympic program. The IPF had been working closely with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to showcase the growing popularity and global appeal of pickleball.

The news was met with great excitement and celebration within the pickleball community. Players from around the world rejoiced at the prospect of representing their countries on the biggest stage in sports. The inclusion of pickleball in the Olympics was seen as a major milestone for the sport, validating its legitimacy and potential for growth.

In the months leading up to the announcement, the IPF had organized a series of high-profile exhibition matches and tournaments to showcase the sport to IOC officials and the wider public. These events featured some of the world's top pickleball players, including former tennis stars who had transitioned to pickleball, as well as up-and-coming talents from various countries.

The decision to include pickleball as a demonstration sport in the 2028 Olympics was based on several factors, including its rapid growth in popularity, its accessibility to players of all ages and skill levels, and its potential to attract new audiences to the Olympic Games.

As a demonstration sport, pickleball would not be played for official medals in 2028, but it would have the opportunity to showcase itself on the Olympic stage and potentially gain full medal status in future games. The IOC would closely monitor the sport's performance and reception during the 2028 Olympics to determine its future Olympic prospects.

The announcement on November 22nd, 2025, marked the beginning of a new era for pickleball, as the sport began its journey towards becoming a fully-fledged Olympic event. It was a day that will be remembered as a turning point in the history of pickleball, a testament to the dedication and passion of the pickleball community, and a celebration of the sport's incredible growth and potential.