An unprecedented £330 million of government and National Lottery money is set to be invested in Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic sports for the Los Angeles 2028 cycle. Fifty sports, a greater breadth than before, will benefit from the funding.
The funding package announced today is designed to help the UK maintain its position as a leading Olympic and Paralympic nation. The investments aim to support sports in adopting ambitious, innovative, and proactive approaches as they prepare for the next cycle and beyond, with the goal of helping Team GB and Paralympics GB remain competitive in the top five of the medal table for both the LA and Brisbane Games.
UK Sport recognises that given the current financial climate, greater investment in sports and athletes is a necessity. This funding package is designed to assist both sports and athletes during the current financial challenges. It includes provisions to help mitigate inflationary pressures, with an extra boost for Paralympic sports to address the unique needs within the Paralympic environment.
The Olympic sports funded are:
World Class Programmes (18)
Archery, Aquatics (all), Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Canoeing, Cycling (all), Equestrian, Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Modern Pentathlon, Rowing, Sailing, Shooting, Taekwondo, Triathlon and Weightlifting.
Development sports (9)
Basketball, Fencing, Handball, Skateboarding, Sport Climbing, Surfing, Table Tennis, Volleyball and Wrestling.
The Paralympic sports funded are:
World Class Programmes (18)
Boccia, Para Archery, Para Athletics, Para Badminton, Para Canoe, Para Cycling, Para Equestrian, Para Rowing, Para Swimming, Para Table Tennis, Para Taekwondo, Para Triathlon, Powerlifting, Shooting Para Sport, VI Judo, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Fencing and Wheelchair Rugby.
Development sports (1)
Goalball.
New sports will receive £3 million of funding in total. This includes Baseball/Softball, Flag Football, Lacrosse, Para Climbing and Squash. Furthermore, in partnership with Sport England, an additional £1.55 million will be invested in 3x3 Basketball.
UK Sport’s Director of Performance and People, Kate Baker, voiced:
“Following the spectacular performances of Team GB and Paralympics GB in Paris this summer, it’s so important for us to be able to keep the momentum going as we head into the LA cycle.
With our investment supporting more breadth than ever before, as well as the entertainment, drama and spectacle we’ll no doubt experience from a Games taking place in LA, I can’t wait to see what our athletes can achieve in four years’ time.”
CEO of UK Sport, Sally Munday, voiced:
“The past few years have been tough for our sports with the delayed Tokyo Games and shortened Paris cycle, and we know finances remain under extreme pressure. We have looked to relieve some of this pressure through our investment today, however we know we must continue to innovate and collaborate, together, to grow a thriving sporting system that’s fit for the future.”
Minister of Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth, Stephanie Peacock, expressed:
“As we saw this summer, the whole country comes together to support our Team GB and Paralympics GB athletes and to celebrate their success. I am pleased that our record £9 million a year increase in funding for UK Sport means that more athletes will have the opportunity to go for gold in Los Angeles in 2028.
As well as representing our country and providing enjoyment to the millions watching, our athletes also inspire people of all ages to get involved in sport in their own communities.”
Executive Director of Partnerships at Sport England, Phil Smith, stated:
“The athletes that make it to the podium all start somewhere – and for many, that’s at their local grassroots club. So we’re delighted to be working in new ways with UK Sport, investing in new sports like 3x3 basketball and prioritising inclusion from the grassroots up, with the ambition that future Olympic and Paralympic GB teams reflect the great diversity of Great Britain.”
Chair of British Lacrosse, Leslie Rance, said:
“Today’s funding announcement from UK Sport marks a significant moment for British Lacrosse as we prepare for the historic return of our sport to the Olympics, this time in a new format, sixes, come LA28. We welcome UK Sport’s investment, which recognises lacrosse as a dynamic, exciting and fast-evolving sport with the potential to make a significant impact at the Games.”
Please see UK Sport’s statement here: https://www.uksport.gov.uk/news/2024/12/16/greatest-investment-on-journey-to-la-2028
