Cricket Returns to LA Olympics 2028: What It Means for US Cricket
Published July 2026 — by TopCricketStore Gear Team.
When the Olympic flame is lit in Los Angeles in July 2028, it will mark cricket's return to the Olympic Games for the first time since 1900 — a 128-year gap. For American cricket, this isn't just a historic moment. It's a once-in-a-generation opportunity to introduce the sport to millions of Americans who have never seen competitive cricket, to secure funding and infrastructure investment, and to establish cricket as a mainstream American sport alongside baseball, basketball, and soccer.
The LA 2028 Olympics will feature cricket in its T20 format — fast, exciting, and perfectly suited to American sports culture. The USA, as host nation, automatically qualifies for both the men's and women's tournaments. Here's everything you need to know about what this means for the future of cricket in America.
Table of Contents
1. Cricket's Olympic History
Cricket has a brief but fascinating Olympic history. The sport was included in the 1900 Paris Olympics, where only two teams competed: Great Britain and France. Great Britain won the gold medal in what remains cricket's only Olympic appearance — until now.
The push for cricket's Olympic return gained momentum in the 2010s, driven by the ICC, the BCCI, and — crucially — the prospect of the massive Indian television market. The IOC recognized that adding cricket to the Olympics would bring hundreds of millions of new viewers to the Games, particularly from South Asia. In October 2023, the IOC officially approved cricket (along with baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash) for the LA 2028 Olympic program.
For American cricket advocates, the 2028 Olympics represent something even more significant: the USA's automatic qualification as host nation. This guarantees that an American cricket team — men's and women's — will compete on home soil in front of a global audience. It's the kind of exposure that no marketing campaign could ever buy.
2. Format, Teams & Schedule
Tournament Format:
- Format: T20 (Twenty20) cricket — the shortest, most explosive international format.
- Men's Tournament: 6 teams competing in a round-robin group stage followed by medal matches.
- Women's Tournament: 6 teams, same format as the men's.
- Total matches: Approximately 30 matches across both tournaments over 10-12 days.
Qualification:
- USA (Men & Women): Automatic qualification as host nation.
- Remaining 5 spots (each gender): Determined through ICC T20I rankings and a qualification tournament expected in 2027. Likely qualifiers include India, Australia, England, Pakistan, and New Zealand — though the final field depends on rankings and qualifier results.
Schedule (Projected):
- July 24-August 4, 2028: Cricket competitions at the LA Olympics.
- Matches will be scheduled to maximize prime-time television windows in both the US and South Asian markets.
3. Olympic Cricket Venues in LA
Several venues are under consideration for Olympic cricket in Los Angeles:
Primary Venue Candidates:
- Dodger Stadium (Capacity: 56,000): The iconic MLB stadium could host the gold medal match and other marquee fixtures. Its dimensions work well for cricket, and the prestige of playing at Chavez Ravine would be enormous. Temporary drop-in pitches would be used.
- Angel Stadium, Anaheim (Capacity: 45,000): Another MLB venue option, located in Orange County's significant cricket community.
- Woodley Cricket Complex, Van Nuys: LA's existing cricket hub could be expanded for the Olympics, potentially hosting group-stage matches. Its location in the San Fernando Valley, home to a large South Asian community, makes it a natural fit.
- New-build temporary stadium: There are discussions about constructing a temporary cricket-specific venue, potentially in Orange County or the Inland Empire, which could later become a permanent cricket facility.
4. Funding & Infrastructure Impact
Olympic inclusion unlocks funding sources that were previously unavailable to American cricket:
- US Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) funding: As an Olympic sport, USA Cricket becomes eligible for USOPC funding, which supports athlete development, coaching, facilities, and high-performance programs. This could mean millions of dollars annually for American cricket.
- NCAA recognition pathway: Olympic sport status creates a clearer path toward NCAA recognition, which could lead to college cricket scholarships and varsity programs.
- Infrastructure investment: The LA Olympics will leave behind cricket facilities — either upgraded existing grounds or new builds — that will benefit American cricket for decades.
- Corporate sponsorship: Olympic cricket opens the door to mainstream American corporate sponsors who previously saw cricket as too niche. Expect interest from tech companies, financial services, and consumer brands.
5. Mainstream Exposure & Media
The exposure from Olympic cricket will be unprecedented. NBCUniversal holds the US broadcast rights for the Olympics through 2032, and cricket matches — especially featuring the USA team — will receive prominent coverage across NBC's networks and Peacock streaming platform.
Consider this: the 2024 Paris Olympics averaged 30.6 million viewers per day in the US. Even a fraction of that audience watching Olympic cricket would dwarf any previous US cricket broadcast. A USA vs. India match in the Olympic group stage could be one of the most-watched cricket matches in history, given India's massive audience combined with NBC's US reach.
For American sports fans who have never engaged with cricket, the Olympic presentation — with its accessible framing, high production values, and American broadcasters explaining the game — could be transformative. Similar to how the 1994 FIFA World Cup introduced soccer to mainstream America, the 2028 Olympics could do the same for cricket.
6. Youth Development Pathway
The Olympic effect on youth participation could be profound. When a sport becomes an Olympic event, it gains:
- School PE curriculum inclusion: School districts add Olympic sports to physical education programs.
- Youth club formation: Parents and community organizations start clubs for kids who want to play "the Olympic sport."
- Scholarship opportunities: College programs invest in sports with Olympic pathways.
- Role models: American-born Olympians become household names, inspiring the next generation.
USA Cricket and local academies are already preparing for this surge. Junior programs in New Jersey, California, Texas, and Florida are expanding capacity, and coaching certification programs are being developed to ensure quality instruction as demand grows.
7. USA Olympic Team: Who Might Play?
Projecting the 2028 USA Olympic cricket team two years out is speculative, but the core is taking shape:
Likely Men's Team Core (as of 2026):
- Aaron Jones (Captain): Will be 33 in 2028 — in his prime as a T20 batsman.
- Steven Taylor: Explosive opener, 34 years old by 2028, likely still at peak T20 form.
- Ali Khan: Fast bowler, 37 in 2028. Could still be effective in T20 cricket.
- Saurabh Netravalkar: Will be 36. His skill set — swing bowling — ages well.
- American-born emerging players: The 2020-2026 youth cricket boom means there will be 18-22 year old players in 2028 who have trained their entire lives in American cricket systems. These are the wild cards — the first generation of truly American-developed cricketers.
Women's Team: The USA women's team is younger and rapidly improving. By 2028, they could field a competitive T20 side with significant home-ground advantage and Olympic-specific preparation.
8. Olympic Cricket Gear Guide
Whether you're an aspiring Olympian or a fan inspired by the Games, TopCricketStore has the gear you need:
- USA Team Jerseys & Fan Gear: Show your support with official USA Cricket replica jerseys and merchandise.
- English Willow Cricket Bats: Olympic-level bats from SG, SS, Kookaburra, and more.
- Protective Equipment: Helmets, pads, and gloves from Shrey, SG, and other trusted brands.
- Training Equipment: Practice nets, bowling machines, fielding discs — train like an Olympian.
Be part of the Olympic cricket movement. Shop all cricket gear at TopCricketStore — the USA's premier cricket equipment destination. Free shipping on orders over $75.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the last time cricket was in the Olympics?
Cricket's only previous Olympic appearance was at the 1900 Paris Games, where Great Britain defeated France to win the gold medal. The LA 2028 Olympics will mark cricket's return after a 128-year absence.
Does the USA automatically qualify for Olympic cricket in 2028?
Yes. As the host nation, the United States receives automatic qualification for both the men's and women's T20 cricket tournaments at the LA 2028 Olympics. This guarantees American teams will compete on home soil.
What format will Olympic cricket use?
Olympic cricket will use the T20 (Twenty20) format — the shortest international format, with matches lasting approximately 3 hours. This format was chosen for its excitement, accessibility to new audiences, and compatibility with the Olympic schedule.
How many teams will compete in Olympic cricket?
Six teams will compete in each of the men's and women's tournaments. The USA automatically qualifies as host; the remaining five spots will be determined by ICC T20I rankings and a qualification tournament.
Where will Olympic cricket be played in Los Angeles?
Venue plans are still being finalized, but leading candidates include Dodger Stadium (56,000 capacity), Angel Stadium in Anaheim (45,000), and the Woodley Cricket Complex in Van Nuys. A new temporary stadium may also be constructed.