Squash: Finally Olympic! The Background on LA 2028
"Why aren't we an Olympic sport?" After decades of frustration, failed campaigns, and empty promises, the curse is finally broken. When the Olympic flame lights up Los Angeles in the summer of 2028, the world's finest squash pros will step onto the court. But how exactly did this historic breakthrough come to pass? Who pulled the strings behind the scenes, what role does government funding play, and what does this momentum mean for our local centers and clubs? At OLIVER, we dug deep into sports politics to bring you the real story behind the scenes.
1. Who Finally Inked the Olympic Deal After All These Years?
The breakthrough came through an unprecedented, united alliance of the World Squash Federation (WSF), US Squash, and the Professional Squash Association (PSA), strategically convincing the LA28 local organizing committee.
In the past, bids (such as those for London or Paris) failed largely because the global governing body and the professional tour (PSA) did not speak with one powerful, unified voice. For 2028, that changed radically. Under the leadership of WSF President Zena Wooldridge and Kevin Klipstein (US Squash), a tailored campaign was executed. Ultimately, the decision was not made primarily by the IOC in Switzerland, but by the local LA28 organizing committee headed by Chairman Casey Wasserman, who held the right to propose new sports. In October 2023, at the IOC Session in Mumbai, this proposal was officially ratified.
2. Why Did the IOC Say "Yes" to LA 2028 Right Now?
The committee approved the inclusion because the United States is currently the fastest-growing squash market in the world, and modern glass courts serve as spectacular, cost-efficient "pop-up arenas" that fit perfectly into LA's urban concept.
The days of squash as a basement sport are over. LA28 sought sports that required no expensive new stadium construction. Squash presented the ultimate argument: a state-of-the-art interactive ASB all-glass court can be assembled literally anywhere within 48 hours—whether on Venice Beach, directly in front of the Hollywood Sign, or inside an iconic concert hall. Combined with the massive boom of the sport across American colleges and the Ivy League, local relevance was fully guaranteed for the US committee.
3. The Money Factor: What Changes Now with State Funding?
Olympic status unlocks substantial government funding from national Olympic committees (like DOSB) for squash federations, funding full-time national coaches, youth academies, and financial security for top pros.
This is an absolute game-changer for professionalization. Previously, national squash federations were cut off from major sports funding pools strictly tied to Olympic status. Now, doors to Olympic training centers are opening. Young talent can receive support through sports military programs, allowing them to focus 100% on the PSA Tour instead of relying on side coaching jobs to make ends meet.
4. How Does the Olympics Change Daily Training on the PSA Tour?
Training periodization for pros will undergo a fundamental shift as players align their physical and mental preparation toward this single historic Olympic cycle in August 2028.
Historically, winning the World Championship or the British Open was the pinnacle of squash achievement. The Olympics elevates that pressure to a whole new tier. For veterans like Ali Farag or Paul Coll, LA28 will represent the ultimate career capstone. At the same time, a hungry young generation of Egyptian and American players is surging forward. Over the next four years, we will see even higher levels of athleticism and competitive depth at the top, with national federations investing heavily to capture a coveted medal.
5. What Does This Milestone Mean for Amateur and League Players?
Grassroots squash benefits from a massive image boost, driving new sponsorship funds into local leagues, modernizing aging facilities, and inspiring an influx of young players.
When our sport is showcased to a global audience of billions during the 2028 Games with innovative camera angles and real-time heart rate monitors, it will spark a powerful chain reaction. Clubs offering strong youth programs will see overwhelming interest, while facility operators will face pressure to update courts and equipment. Whether you compete in top leagues or play weekly club nights, gear up with the right racket from OLIVER —courts in the coming years will be busier, faster, and more competitive than ever!