Baseball-softball will be included as one of five additional sports at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, following approval from the IOC. This marks the seventh appearance for men’s baseball and the sixth for women’s softball at the Olympics.

### Key Information:
– **Inclusion**: Approved by the IOC alongside lacrosse sixes, flag football, T20 cricket, and squash.
– **Historical Background**:
– **Baseball**: Developed in England in the mid-1700s; introduced to the U.S. by the 1770s.
– **Softball**: Originated as “indoor baseball” in the late 1800s, with modern rules established in 1926.
– **Olympic History**:
– Baseball debuted as a medal sport in 1992 (Barcelona).
– Softball started as a women-only sport in 1996 (Atlanta).
– Combined event of baseball and softball held in Tokyo 2020.
– **Upcoming Games**:
– Traditional baseball and fast pitch softball will use international rules.
– Softball to be held at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex in Oklahoma City.
– Venues for baseball yet to be confirmed as LA28 aims for sustainability with existing facilities.
– **Competitors**:
– Strong contenders for baseball include Cuba, Japan, USA, and more.
– Meanwhile, consistent performers in women’s softball include the USA, Japan, and China.

### Future Outlook:
– Notable emerging teams include Italy and other South American and Asian nations aiming to improve.
– The tournament schedule will be finalized closer to the event.