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USOPC considering plan to sell stake in Team USA as LA Olympics approach
The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee is developing a commercial venture that could sell investors a stake in Team USA’s commercial rights in exchange for capital. The proposal would be a major shift for the non-profit, which depends heavily on sponsorship and licensing income, and comes as interest in sports investments grows ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Board minutes name the proposed venture United States Olympic and Paralympic Ventures, and report encouraging initial discussions with potential partners. CEO Sarah Hirshland said its business model is still being worked out as the committee prepares to end its current commercial partnership with LA28 after the Games. The USOPC says it is considering options to raise resources for athletes and governing bodies while protecting its mission; a reported valuation in the billions has not been confirmed.
In short
- USOPC is exploring selling a stake in Team USA’s commercial rights.
- A new venture could replace its LA28 partnership after 2028.
- The committee says the model is still in development.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Selling a stake in Team USA’s commercial rights could bring in substantial capital to support athletes and governing bodies, reducing reliance on sponsorship income and giving the USOPC resources to plan beyond the LA28 partnership. If the committee retains meaningful control and protects its mission, a commercial partner could also help grow the value of those rights over time.
The case against
Team USA’s commercial rights are tied to a non-profit mission and public trust, so selling an investor a stake could give commercial priorities greater influence over how the organisation operates. The deal might also trade away future income for capital now, leaving athletes and governing bodies with less flexibility or a smaller share of the value those rights generate.
Explained simply
The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) is the non-profit body responsible for the US team at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It supports athletes and works with national governing bodies for individual sports, funding its work largely through sponsorships and licensing deals that allow companies to use Team USA branding.
The committee’s commercial rights include the ability to market Team USA and its associated brands. LA28, the organising body for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, has a commercial partnership with the USOPC that is due to end after the Games; any new arrangement would affect how the committee raises money beyond that period.
Investors have shown growing interest in sports businesses, which can offer valuable brands and audiences. How the USOPC might bring in private capital while maintaining its non-profit purpose matters to athletes, sports bodies and those who support the team.
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