Snoop Dogg Named Team USA’s First Honorary Coach for 2026 Winter Olympics
In an unexpected yet widely celebrated move, Snoop Dogg has been appointed as the first-ever honorary coach for Team USA ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy. The announcement, made by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), marks a distinctive blend of sport, entertainment, and cultural influence as the U.S. prepares for one of the world’s biggest sporting spectacles
Born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., the 54-year-old hip-hop legend affectionately known as Coach Snoop will join the Team Behind the Team , a collective that includes coaches, medical staff, administrators, and support personnel who work tirelessly to support the performance and well-being of Olympic and Paralympic athletes. His role is largely symbolic, aimed at boosting morale among competitors and bringing his contagious enthusiasm to Team USA’s mission.
Snoop’s journey to this historic position is rooted in his visible and passionate support during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, where he frequently appeared alongside Team USA as a cheerleader, mentor, and fan favorite. His presence was so impactful that it blurred the lines between entertainment and sport, making him an unofficial ambassador for the squad. USOPC officials described his connection with athletes as authentic, rooted in mutual respect and an easy rapport that often felt more like camaraderie than corporate partnership.
In his official statement, Snoop highlighted his excitement and genuine love for sport and athletes. He said that Team USA competitors are the true stars, and his mission is to “cheer, uplift and maybe drop a little wisdom from the sidelines.”This mix of motivation, personality, and humor is expected to resonate with athletes facing the intense pressures of Olympic competition.
USOPC Chief Executive Sarah Hirshland echoed the sentiment, pointing out how quickly Snoop bonded with the athletes and staff. She described his enthusiasm for the Olympic and Paralympic movement as “contagious,” emphasizing that his role, while unconventional, adds a positive dynamic to the broader support system helping athletes chase medals and personal bests.
Snoop’s involvement with Team USA extends beyond motivational presence. His long-standing commitment to youth sports particularly through the Snoop Youth Football League , which has supported more than 15,000 young athletes including those with disabilities aligns with the Olympic movement’s values of inclusivity, opportunity, and community engagement. The honorary coach role dovetails with his broader advocacy and mentorship efforts.
In addition to his honorary coaching duties, Snoop is also set to work with NBCUniversal during the Milano-Cortina Games, offering commentary and insights that further connect mainstream audiences with Olympic competition. His media role, coupled with his symbolic coaching appointment, underscores the growing trend of integrating cultural figures into global sporting events to amplify engagement and visibility.
As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, Snoop Dogg’s unique blend of star power, support for athletes, and dedication to community has already made him a notable figure in the lead-up to the Games. Whether his influence will translate into tangible uplift for Team USA’s medal hopes remains to be seen but one thing is certain: Coach Snoop will bring a flavor of West Coast cool to the grand stage of international winter sport.
Born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., the 54-year-old hip-hop legend affectionately known as Coach Snoop will join the Team Behind the Team , a collective that includes coaches, medical staff, administrators, and support personnel who work tirelessly to support the performance and well-being of Olympic and Paralympic athletes. His role is largely symbolic, aimed at boosting morale among competitors and bringing his contagious enthusiasm to Team USA’s mission.
Snoop’s journey to this historic position is rooted in his visible and passionate support during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, where he frequently appeared alongside Team USA as a cheerleader, mentor, and fan favorite. His presence was so impactful that it blurred the lines between entertainment and sport, making him an unofficial ambassador for the squad. USOPC officials described his connection with athletes as authentic, rooted in mutual respect and an easy rapport that often felt more like camaraderie than corporate partnership.
In his official statement, Snoop highlighted his excitement and genuine love for sport and athletes. He said that Team USA competitors are the true stars, and his mission is to “cheer, uplift and maybe drop a little wisdom from the sidelines.”This mix of motivation, personality, and humor is expected to resonate with athletes facing the intense pressures of Olympic competition.
USOPC Chief Executive Sarah Hirshland echoed the sentiment, pointing out how quickly Snoop bonded with the athletes and staff. She described his enthusiasm for the Olympic and Paralympic movement as “contagious,” emphasizing that his role, while unconventional, adds a positive dynamic to the broader support system helping athletes chase medals and personal bests.
Snoop’s involvement with Team USA extends beyond motivational presence. His long-standing commitment to youth sports particularly through the Snoop Youth Football League , which has supported more than 15,000 young athletes including those with disabilities aligns with the Olympic movement’s values of inclusivity, opportunity, and community engagement. The honorary coach role dovetails with his broader advocacy and mentorship efforts.
In addition to his honorary coaching duties, Snoop is also set to work with NBCUniversal during the Milano-Cortina Games, offering commentary and insights that further connect mainstream audiences with Olympic competition. His media role, coupled with his symbolic coaching appointment, underscores the growing trend of integrating cultural figures into global sporting events to amplify engagement and visibility.
As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, Snoop Dogg’s unique blend of star power, support for athletes, and dedication to community has already made him a notable figure in the lead-up to the Games. Whether his influence will translate into tangible uplift for Team USA’s medal hopes remains to be seen but one thing is certain: Coach Snoop will bring a flavor of West Coast cool to the grand stage of international winter sport.
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