Speaking about this news, IOC President Kirsty Coventry said: “The Q-Series is an exciting global event on the road to the LA28 Olympic Games. It’s one format, four stops, six sports. The goal is to boost athlete visibility and global fan engagement. We cannot wait for the series to kick off.”
She continued: “We believe the Olympic Q-Series will be really exciting for fans and for the host cities. The fans will be right there with the action – the festival feel, the sport, music, culture – coming to life in iconic cities. It will be fast paced and high energy, with lots of action, world-class athletes and a huge focus on youth.”
The Olympic Q-Series is the result of a collaboration between the IOC and six International Federations. It will form a central pillar of the qualification pathway, offering athletes a decisive opportunity to secure direct quota places for LA28 shortly before the Games begin.
Where and when will the Q-Series events be held?
The four stop series will feature two back to back events, first in Asia in May, then in North America in June. It opens in Tokyo, the city where 3×3 basketball, BMX freestyle, climbing and skateboarding made their Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Just one week later, the event lands in Shanghai, returning to the city where the Q-Series began in 2024.
In June, the series crosses the Pacific to Montreal, back to the iconic 1976 Olympic Park as it reopens to a new generation. The journey comes to a close in Orlando, drawing athletes and fans to the East Coast of the US on the final stretch of the road to the LA28 Olympic Games.
- Stop 1: Tokyo, 4–7 May 2028
- Stop 2: Shanghai, 11–14 May 2028
- Stop 3: Montreal, 1–4 June 2028
- Stop 4: Orlando, 8–11 June 2028
What sports will the Q-Series include?
The Olympic Q-Series 2028 will feature six sports/disciplines:
- 3×3 basketball
- Beach volleyball
- BMX freestyle
- Climbing
- Flag football
- Skateboarding
BMX freestyle, climbing and skateboarding are making a return following their inclusion in the inaugural edition in 2024, while 3×3 basketball, beach volleyball and flag football further strengthen the Q-Series programme and reflect the continued evolution of the Olympic sports programme, particularly in youth-focused disciplines.
The sports that will feature in each of the stops will be confirmed in due course.
