US Olympic chiefs have confirmed they are exploring the possible sale of a stake in Team USA’s commercial rights.
The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee has engaged sport’s go-to brokers the Raine Group to explore a range of possible fundraising options, Mark Kleinman reported for Sky News.
“The next decade represents an unprecedented opportunity for Team USA and the US Olympic and Paralympic Movement,” said the USOPC.
“As part of our responsibility to maximise that opportunity for the athletes and NGBs [national governing bodies] we serve, the USOPC is evaluating a range of commercial models to generate greater resources in support of its mission.”
It comes as Fifa and its president Gianni Infantino continue to manage the backlash to its plans for a similar deal, which were quickly dropped amid outrage that investors had been lined up in secret.
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Team USA is expected to generate record revenues over the coming years, with Los Angeles set to host the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Utah selected to stage the 2034 Winter Games.
Among its biggest names are sprinters Sha’Carri Richardson, Noah Lyles, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Gabby Thomas, swimmers Katie Ledecky and Luka Mijatovic, and basketball stars such as Anthony Edwards and Caitlin Clark.
The USOPC added: “We’ve been in ongoing conversation with athlete and NGB leaders during this process, and that will continue. Any path forward will preserve the USOPC’s mission, governance, leadership and commitment to Team USA athletes.
“This is a moment of real momentum for Team USA. With LA28 and Utah-2034 on home soil, and Team USA’s commercial rights returning to the USOPC after the LA28 Games, we’re building the capabilities to better grow and support the Movement for generations ahead.”
Other sports organisations to have sold stakes in their commercial rights include the Spanish and French football leagues, the Six Nations and Prem Rugby, and the world governing body of volleyball.