By Janina Nuno Rios
Aug 20 (Reuters) - USA Fencing CEO Phil Andrews is betting the run-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics can make the traditionally niche sport more widely popular in America, hoping that growth can reach beyond its affluent base.
A report by USA Fencing published this month shows its membership has reached an all-time high of 45,157, supported by a record 752 affiliated clubs across the country, which already surpasses the body's original target of 700 expected by 2028.
The American
fencing governing body is now targeting 70,000 members ahead of the home Games, while its commercial push has also expanded, with marketing and communications projected to generate $2.8 million in the coming season.
Andrews, who has led USA Fencing since 2022, said the federation had made a deliberate effort to market fencing to audiences beyond its traditional competitive base.
"We're actually making efforts to go out and market the sport, which hadn't really happened before," he said in an interview with Reuters.
A multi-million-dollar promotional partnership with iHeartMedia, announced in 2025, was designed to introduce fencing to a broader audience through iHeart's radio, podcast, digital and social platforms.
USA Fencing has since built several programs aimed at converting that exposure into participation.
Its Fencing Across America initiative offers free introductory events where children, teenagers and adults can try all three weapons and parafencing with loan equipment and coaching, as well as receive a free trial membership.
"When we ran Fencing Across America, we put the sport in front of people in different cities so they could actually try it — that's the critical piece.
"Eyeballs alone don't move the needle as much as getting people to realise they can try it."
The federation also launched En Garde! Fencing, a school-based program that brings introductory fencing into elementary schools and after-school spaces before connecting interested students with local clubs.
The push extends beyond the federation. The World Fencing League, launched in April with high-profile investors including seven-times Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton, is trying to package the sport in a more entertainment-focused format.
TACKLING AFFORDABILITY BARRIERS
Beyond attracting a larger audience, USA Fencing faces another challenge: making the sport more accessible.
Its Fencing the Gap program provides grants to clubs working to remove barriers to entry, while other initiatives supply equipment, scholarships, transportation and coaching support.
In 2026, five clubs received $5,000 grants, each expected to reach 30 to 50 young people.
"Fencing is an expensive sport. We have to own that to solve it," Andrews said. "It means leaning into philanthropy to open doors and fund people who otherwise couldn't afford it."
Other organisations such as the Peter Westbrook Foundation in New York have helped fencers like Lauren Scruggs, a double medallist at the 2024 Paris Games, access a sport that competitive-level costs can push into thousands of dollars a year.
"We are very happy for Lauren's success and for all the things that she's had happen to her. We need to find more of that," added Andrews.
For him, LA28 is just the beginning of a larger process.
"I think the real measure of success comes at Brisbane 2032," he said. "There's usually an afterglow from a home Games for a year or two regardless. The real test is: what does the sport look like four years after LA?"
(Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City; Editing by Ken Ferris)
