Perkins urges IOC overhaul of Brisbane 2032 sports program

Australian Sports Commission chief executive Kieren Perkins has urged the International Olympic Committee to modernise the sports program for the Brisbane 2032 Games. The Guardian reported that the former Olympic swimming champion warned about the movement’s future if the program does not evolve, while stopping short of identifying which established sports he believes have lost relevance.

Speaking at the SportNXT conference in Melbourne, Perkins argued that some traditional Olympic sports no longer have modern relevance and that other disciplines have earned a more prominent place. He said the movement could remain sustainable if it confronts that challenge, but cautioned that failing to navigate the issue would raise questions about its future.

The debate comes as the IOC tries to limit the continued expansion of the Games. According to the Guardian, Sydney 2000 staged 28 sports, while the Los Angeles 2028 program is set to feature 36. The 2028 additions include cricket, baseball, softball and lacrosse, increasing competition among international federations for a place at Brisbane.

Cricket Australia is continuing to work with the International Cricket Council to press for the sport’s inclusion in 2032. Its chair, Mike Baird, has also called for the Olympic cricket final to be the final match played at the Gabba. Cricket’s confirmed return at Los Angeles will give the sport an opportunity to present its global audience and appeal to new markets before the Brisbane program is settled.

Netball is also campaigning for a Brisbane place, with Netball Australia pointing to independent polling it commissioned earlier in 2026 that found two-thirds of Australians wanted the sport included. Lacrosse Australia is working with World Lacrosse to demonstrate the sport’s value after its return to the Olympic schedule for Los Angeles. Modern pentathlon, meanwhile, has replaced equestrian with an obstacle discipline ahead of the 2028 Games, while breaking was not retained after Paris.

The IOC adopted a new method in June for deciding the Olympic program, focusing on individual disciplines and allowing local organisers to propose up to four additional disciplines. Candidates will be judged on global appeal, cost, operational complexity and athlete representation in governance. The approach will be applied flexibly because Brisbane preparations are already advanced, and the IOC is expected to finalise the 2032 program within the next year.