Lacrosse is one of five new sports set to feature at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The IOC approved the inclusion of lacrosse sixes in LA28 last year, along with baseball/softball, flag football, T20 cricket and squash.
Lacrosse, originally known as 'stickball,' began as a cultural and spiritual practice among Indigenous North American communities. Far more than just a game, it often served as a way to resolve conflicts and prepare warriors for battle.
This ancient sport now returns to the global stage in the form of Lacrosse Sixes at the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028, bringing its rich heritage and modern evolution to a worldwide audience.
This will be the third time lacrosse has been part of the Olympic program, but the first in more than a century, following its appearances in 1904 and 1908.
LA28 will spotlight the fast-paced lacrosse sixes format, a thrilling version of the sport designed for the modern era. World Lacrosse President Sue Redfern hailed this moment as a “seminal achievement” that will offer a “golden opportunity” for athletes to showcase their talents on the world’s biggest stage.
"After decades of hard work and dedication, lacrosse is back on the Olympic stage at LA28," Redfern said. "This is a pivotal moment for our sport, marking the start of a new era that will inspire future generations of lacrosse players worldwide.”
Lacrosse: Top things to know
When was lacrosse at the Olympics?
Lacrosse debuted in St. Louis in 1904, where only three teams participated, all from Canada and the United States. Canada’s Winnipeg Shamrocks triumphed, winning the gold medal after defeating the United States, while another Canadian team, the Mohawk Indians, claimed bronze.
London 1908 saw lacrosse’s last Olympic medal event, with just a single match played between Canada and Great Britain. Held at the White City Stadium, Canada emerged victorious once again, defeating Great Britain 14-10 in a hard-fought contest.
Lacrosse then made three more appearances as a demonstration sport in Amsterdam in 1928, Los Angeles in 1932, and London in 1948.
Since then, lacrosse has grown to become a global sport played in nearly 100 countries. LA28 will mark lacrosse’s comeback, this time with the fast-paced Sixes format taking center stage, in a lacrosse-loving country.
What is the lacrosse format for LA28?
For LA 2028, the format chosen is World Lacrosse Sixes, a streamlined version of the traditional game.
Played on a 70m x 36m pitch, Sixes is an exciting, high-tempo format that features six players per team, including a goalkeeper.
The game is divided into four eight-minute quarters, with a 30-second shot clock ensuring continuous action and quick transitions. Much like the rugby sevens, this version of lacrosse is designed to be accessible and entertaining, offering a fast-paced spectacle that is sure to appeal to both seasoned fans and newcomers
What are the lacrosse venues at LA28?
The lacrosse venues for LA28 are yet to be confirmed.
As part of its sustainability pledge, the LA Games are set to use 100 per cent existing and temporary venues for the Olympics.
What is the lacrosse schedule at LA28?
The schedule for the lacrosse will be finalised closer to the Games.
Canada and USA contest the women's lacrosse final at the 2022 World Games
Which nations are lacrosse sevens powerhouses?
Lacrosse has long been dominated by a few key nations, with the United States and Canada leading the charge in both men’s and women’s competitions. These two North American giants have a storied rivalry, with the United States boasting 11 men’s field lacrosse World Championships to Canada’s three. However, in the Sixes format, the balance of power is more even.
At the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, Alabama, which featured the World Lacrosse Sixes format, Canada stunned the lacrosse world by defeating the United States in both the men’s and women’s finals, solidifying their place as a top contender in this fast-paced version of the sport. Canadian stars like Zach Currier and Dhane Smith shone brightly in the men’s competition, while veteran Dana Dobbie and rising star Aurora Cordingley led the women’s team to victory.
Australia is another nation to watch, especially in the women’s game. The Australians have a strong lacrosse tradition, having won two women’s field lacrosse World Championships in 1986 and 2005.
As lacrosse continues to grow globally, teams are beginning to make their mark. England, Japan, and the Iroquois Nationals are also becoming increasingly competitive, particularly in the Sixes format, which emphasizes speed, agility, and tactical innovation. The Thompson brothers—Lyle, Miles, and Jeremy—have become icons in the sport, known for their skill, creativity, and deep connection to lacrosse’s indigenous roots.
As the sport returns to the Olympics in 2028, the stage is set for these powerhouses—and potential new challengers—to vie for the ultimate prize: an Olympic gold medal in lacrosse Sixes.
