Jun 17, 2025

Is Spikeball an Olympic Sport? Current 2025 Status

Is Spikeball an Olympic Sport? Current 2025 Status

Spikeball, also known as roundnet, has become one of the fastest-growing recreational sports in recent years. With its quick-paced rallies, minimal equipment, and growing competitive scene, it's no surprise that fans and players alike have started asking the same question: Is Spikeball an Olympic sport?

As of 2025, the short answer is no—Spikeball is not yet recognized as an Olympic sport. But the story doesn’t end there. The path to Olympic inclusion is long, and Spikeball is actively moving in the right direction.

What It Takes to Become an Olympic Sport

Before a sport can be considered for the Olympics, it must meet specific criteria set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). These requirements include:

  • Global participation across continents
  • A governing body recognized by the IOC
  • Clear and consistent rules of play
  • A formal competition structure at international levels

The sport must also demonstrate popularity, audience appeal, and strong organizational standards. This is where the groundwork for sports like skateboarding, surfing, and breakdancing—recent Olympic additions—was laid.

Spikeball is currently in the early phases of this journey.

The Rise of Spikeball’s Competitive Scene

What began as a backyard game has rapidly evolved into a legitimate sport. The competitive Spikeball circuit now includes:

  • National and international tournaments
  • Club and college-level leagues
  • Official rules and standardized scoring
  • A growing player base in North America, Europe, and beyond

Organizations like the International Roundnet Federation (IRF) have been working to standardize play globally and promote the sport on a larger stage. The sport’s upward trajectory is clear, especially as more countries begin forming national teams and participating in global events.

Has the IOC Acknowledged Spikeball?

As of now, Spikeball has not been formally recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Recognition is a multi-step process that starts with gaining Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) status. This step is often necessary before a sport can be considered for future Olympic Games.

While there’s enthusiasm among fans and players, there has been no official proposal or inclusion of Spikeball in upcoming Olympic schedules such as Paris 2024 or Los Angeles 2028.

However, efforts are underway to build the sport’s infrastructure to make such recognition possible in the years ahead.

What’s Being Done to Advance Olympic Consideration?

Spikeball’s community has grown more organized over the past few years. Initiatives that aim to support Olympic inclusion include:

  • Establishing more formalized national and regional governing bodies
  • Expanding participation in countries across different continents
  • Hosting world championships with strict rules and qualified officials
  • Promoting youth involvement and school-based programs

Each of these steps increases the sport’s legitimacy and visibility, which are essential for Olympic review boards.

Could Spikeball Be in Future Olympics?

The possibility of Spikeball being included in the Olympics is not far-fetched—but it won’t happen overnight. Sports like skateboarding and sport climbing took decades of development and campaigning before receiving Olympic status.

Realistically, if Spikeball continues its growth at the current pace and builds enough global infrastructure, it could be a contender for inclusion in the 2032 or 2036 Summer Olympics.

The IOC has shown increased openness in recent years to including emerging sports that resonate with younger audiences and foster international community. Spikeball fits that mold—fast, accessible, and highly watchable.

Final Thoughts

While Spikeball is not yet an Olympic sport in 2025, its trajectory suggests potential in the future. The game has grown far beyond casual beach play, with a robust competitive scene, a growing international following, and increasing organizational structure.

The journey to the Olympics is a long one, but if enthusiasm continues to rise and efforts remain focused, Spikeball may eventually bounce its way onto the world’s biggest athletic stage.

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