With just three years to go until the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028, World Lacrosse is proud to celebrate the sport’s historic return to the Olympic stage as a medal event for the first time since 1908. The men’s and women’s lacrosse tournaments will take place in the second week of the LA28 Games, from July 24–29, at Exposition Park Stadium, home of Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Football Club.
Nestled in the heart of LA28’s downtown footprint, Exposition Park Stadium is located beside the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which will host athletics and play a central role in both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. This placement underscores lacrosse’s integration into the core of the Olympic experience and sets the stage for an unforgettable debut for millions of fans around the world.
In the Olympic debut for women’s lacrosse, it will be played in full parallel with the men’s competition, with six teams per gender competing over five days of round-robin play. The tournaments will culminate on July 29, with the gold medal games contested between the top two teams for each gender and the bronze medal games played between the third- and fourth-ranked teams.
WL President Bob DeMarco said: “The new era of lacrosse is now. Returning to the Olympic Games after more than a century – and doing so in such a prominent location and format – is a powerful statement to the growth and global momentum of our sport. LA28 will be a showcase for today’s modern game that is as exciting for spectators as it is for the participating athletes.”
World Lacrosse CEO Jim Scherr said: “We are proud that lacrosse will help write the next chapter of Olympic history at LA28. This is not only a return, but a reimagination – highlighting sixes, our exciting new discipline, and demonstrating our sport’s commitment to gender equality, innovation and global appeal. As the countdown begins, we will continue to work closely with the LA28 Organizing Committee, the IOC and National Governing Bodies to deliver a competition that reflects the passion, skill and unity of the international lacrosse community.”
Lacrosse’s inclusion in LA28 was approved by the International Olympic Committee in October 2023. The featured discipline is sixes, a fast-paced, compact format designed for global accessibility, Olympic suitability and thrilling spectator experience.
