SPARKS, Md. – The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee has formally certified USA Lacrosse as the official National Governing Body (NGB) for the sport in the United States, marking a significant milestone as lacrosse prepares to return to the Olympic Games. The sport will be contested as a medal event for the first time in more than a century when men’s and women’s sixes competitions debut at the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.
“This recognition by the USOPC is more than an honor, it’s validation of USA Lacrosse's capability, credibility, and leadership within the sport,” said USA Lacrosse CEO Marc Riccio. “From our work at the youth level through our responsibility to lead the U.S. National Team Program, USA Lacrosse is uniquely positioned to drive the sport to unprecedented visibility with the LA28 Olympics on the horizon. We thank the USOPC and the many in the lacrosse community that have made this possible. Together, we will continue to positively impact communities and the Olympic Movement through lacrosse.”
“We are thrilled to welcome USA Lacrosse to our Olympic and Paralympic community of National Governing Bodies—and the athletes who will represent Team USA at LA28,” said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland. “This certification reflects a strong commitment to athlete support, sound governance, and the growth of lacrosse globally. We appreciate the leadership and dedication of USA Lacrosse in reaching this milestone and look forward to a strong partnership on the road to LA28.”
Founded in 1998, USA provides leadership, structure, and resources to fuel the sport’s growth and enrich the experience of participants from the grassroots level through the national teams. The organization invests more than $25 million annually into the sport, supporting comprehensive coach and official education programs, financial and equipment grants for member organizations, and initiatives that expand access and participation nationwide.
A central component of its mission, USA Lacrosse oversees all aspects of the U.S. National Team Program, which now encompasses 14 teams – men’s and women’s box, men’s and women’s senior field, men’s and women’s sixes, men’s and women’s U20 and six youth national teams (boys and girls U15, U17 and U19). The U.S. has won a record 36 world championships conducted by World Lacrosse and its predecessors and currently ranks in the top two internationally in every discipline of the sport.
“I’m excited that USA Lacrosse is joining the Team USA family,” said Ally Kennedy, a world champion with the U.S. Women’s National Team in all three disciplines – box, field and sixes. “The dream is only two years away, and we’re getting closer and closer every single day. This organization and the people who work here – I’m so thankful for them and all the work they’ve done behind the scenes to make this possible. It’s a dream for us players, but I know how much hard work goes in. It’s a tribute to them – putting us in the best situation possible. I couldn’t be more grateful for everyone here.”
The certification comes amid unprecedented growth for lacrosse in the United States. Since 2000, the number of NCAA lacrosse programs has more than doubled to 917, while high school participation has increased by more than 353 percent. Nearly 7,000 boys’ and girls’ high school teams now compete nationwide.
Additional opportunity remains at the scholastic level, with only 24 state high school associations currently sanctioning lacrosse as a championship sport. Momentum continues to build, however, as five states—Kentucky, Tennessee, Utah, Wisconsin and Nevada—have added lacrosse this decade. Nevada is scheduled to host its first boys’ and girls’ state championships in 2027, and USA Lacrosse continues to work with local leaders in other states to expand access to this important infrastructure that has fueled participation growth at the youth level.
Professional lacrosse has also elevated the sport’s visibility and reach since the turn of the century. The National Lacrosse League (men’s box), Premier Lacrosse League (men’s outdoor) and Women’s Lacrosse League (women’s outdoor) – all partners of USA Lacrosse under the Elevate28 umbrella – showcase the game’s top athletes and help introduce the sport to new audiences through live events, broadcast exposure and digital platforms.
Globally, lacrosse has expanded to nearly 100 member nations within World Lacrosse, further underscoring the sport’s readiness for the Olympic stage. U.S. national teams will compete in three major World Lacrosse events this year, beginning with the Nissin Foods World Lacrosse Women’s Championship in Tokyo from July 24 – August 3. The men’s senior field team will compete in the Pan American Men’s Lacrosse Championship in Kingston, Jamaica, from August 16–23, followed by the men’s and women’s sixes teams at the Pan American Championships in Oshawa, Canada, from September 29 – October 5.
About USA Lacrosse
USA Lacrosse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is certified by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the sport in the United States. USA Lacrosse works to fuel the growth, enrich the experience, and field the best national teams, supporting more than 425,000 members across the country.
