Despite being an Olympic sport for only about a decade, lacrosse has been in the process of regaining recognition with the IOC. The sport has grown to 30-40 countries at the World Games, and the U.S. national team is preparing to showcase a new version of the sport in Lake Placid. Leveille hopes to bring the sport to the Summer Olympics in 2028 in Los Angeles.
In 1904, the first summer Olympics featured lacrosse, played between two or three teams. Canada’s team won gold both times. This event was first played in 1904 and was featured in the Olympics in St. Louis. There were two teams from Canada and one from the United States in the first year of the Games. Several notable players have competed in the summer games. In addition to the Olympic team, lacrosse has also been played on club and college teams since 1928.
Although lacrosse did not debut at the Olympics until 2008, it is not far from becoming a mainstream sport. The International Olympic Committee granted it provisional status in the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. But before the sport can take the Olympic stage, it must first prove its status as a sovereign nation. The Haudenosaunee Confederacy represents six First Nations and has been a strong supporter of the sport.
The game has many similarities to other popular sports. It was introduced to 69 countries, and is now played on six continents. Europeans adopted the sport and modernized it. Native Americans, however, despised defending defenders and considered them cowards. But nowadays, the sport is a popular sport in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. With the new game, it is expected to return to the Olympics.
The World Games featured the sport in 1904 and 1908. Both years, the United States and Canada sent teams to compete. Both teams won medals. The sport was also featured as a demonstration event at the 1928, 1932, and 1948 Summer Olympics. If the Olympics were to return to Lacrosse, the World Lacrosse League will likely be the perfect opportunity to showcase the sport. In the meantime, the lacrosse community will enjoy the coverage of the games.
Although Lacrosse has not yet made the Olympics, it has been featured in several Games. It first featured at St. Louis in 1904 and later became an Olympic demonstration sport at the London Games in 1948. In 2018, the IOC granted provisional recognition to the sport, and full recognition could follow later this year. World Lacrosse will now be able to apply to the Olympics for Los Angeles 2028. Its future will be bright.
Whether the sport makes it to the Olympics depends on its popularity. There are many different sports in the Olympics. Lacrosse, like hockey, is popular in America. More than one hundred countries have a lacrosse team. The Olympic Games will be the best opportunity for lacrosse to get its due. But it must be the best. And the sport has the right people and the right media backing. The Premier Lacrosse League will make it possible for the sport to become a part of the Olympics.
AKAWOOKO 5 Pack Men's Athletic Gym Shorts with Pockets Quick Dry Activewear Workout Running Shorts for Men
$19.99 (as of March 23, 2026 09:45 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Under Armour Men's Tech Graphic Shorts
$19.99 (as of March 23, 2026 09:45 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
CAMPSNAIL Biker Shorts Women with Pockets - 3"/5"/8" High Waisted Workout Spandex Tummy Control Gym Running Yoga Shorts
$7.99 (as of March 23, 2026 09:45 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
NORTHYARD Men's Athletic Running Shorts Gym Workout Shorts 7"/ 9"/ 5" Quick Dry Lightweight Sports Basketball Exercise Tennis
$24.99 (as of March 23, 2026 09:45 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
baleaf Women's 8"/ 5"/ 3" Biker Shorts High Waist Yoga Workout Gym Running Volleyball Spandex Shorts with Pockets
$19.99 (as of March 23, 2026 09:45 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Under Armour Boys' Tech Mesh Shorts
$14.99 (as of March 23, 2026 09:45 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
5 Pack Men’s Active Quick Dry Crew Neck T Shirts | Athletic Running Gym Workout Short Sleeve Tee Tops Bulk
$39.95 (as of March 23, 2026 09:45 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
BALENNZ Athletic Shorts for Men with Pockets and Elastic Waistband Quick Dry Activewear
$24.99 (as of March 23, 2026 09:45 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Soothfeel Men's Running Shorts with Zipper Pockets 9"/ 7"/ 5" Lightweight Basketball Gym Workout Athletic Shorts
$23.99 (as of March 23, 2026 09:45 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)