UK Sport's Historic £330 Million Commitment for 2028 LA Olympic Dreams

UK Sport has made a landmark decision to allocate a record £330 million towards Olympic and Paralympic sports in preparation for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, scheduled from July 14 to July 30, 2028. This substantial investment will benefit over 50 sports, reflecting the UK’s commitment to achieving excellence on the international stage.

Funding Allocation and New Sports

In this funding cycle, several sports will see increased support, while notable adjustments have been made, particularly for athletics, which has faced a budget reduction for the second consecutive cycle. The addition of new sports, including baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse, Para-climbing, and squash, marks a significant expansion of opportunities for athletes.

However, breaking has been excluded from funding eligibility after its removal from the Olympic programme, indicating changing priorities in the competitive landscape of Olympic sports. The total funding is expected to exceed £400 million with the incorporation of athlete performance awards (APAs), which are vital for supporting athletes' living expenses and training costs. In the previous funding cycle for Paris 2024, approximately £70 million was distributed in APAs, illustrating the importance of direct financial support to athletes.

Perspectives from UK Sport Leadership

Sally Munday, the CEO of UK Sport, emphasized that funding decisions should not be viewed as rewards or punishments based solely on past performances. "The decision that we've made against all the sports is we've looked at their potential," Munday highlighted. UK Athletics is set to receive more than £30 million, a figure intended to bolster their programs as they gear up for LA.

Jack Buckner, CEO of UK Athletics, expressed his disappointment regarding a £1.725 million reduction in funding, arguing that their recent success—10 medals at the World Championships and Olympic Games—merited a higher level of investment. Similar budget cuts were seen in canoeing, while rowing has notably increased funding to £24.85 million, showcasing a strategic focus on high-performing sports.

Looking Ahead: Aiming for Consistency in Top Rankings

British Basketball Federation chair Chris Grant remarked on the new funding era for basketball with an award of £2.925 million, primarily aimed at advancing the 3x3 game format. Following a successful campaign where Great Britain secured 65 medals at the recent Olympics and 124 at the Paralympics, Munday underscored an ambitious goal to consistently rank within the top five nations in future competitions.

Munday stated, "We will be leaving no stone unturned to understand the factors contributing to our performance. Our aspiration is clear—we want to be consistently in the top five." The roadmap leading to the Los Angeles Olympic Games is paved with strategic funding, unwavering support, and a commitment to athlete development, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating competition in 2028.