The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) is in advanced talks to create an entity that would sell a stake in the commercial rights associated with Team USA, according to multiple reports.
The proposed transaction, which would involve exchanging a share of those commercial rights for up-front capital, is being discussed as the organisation explores new funding structures. USOPC chief executive said the idea and its business model are still at an early stage, and the committee has not announced any completed deal.
If carried through, the move would represent a notable shift for the USOPC. Unlike many national Olympic bodies that receive substantial government support, the USOPC operates as a non-profit that depends heavily on sponsorships, licensing and other commercial revenue streams to fund athletes and programmes.
With the United States slated to host both Summer and Winter Olympic events in the years ahead, the committee’s consideration of private capital arrangements comes at a time of heightened commercial opportunity and financial commitments. Details about potential investors, the size of any stake and the timing of a transaction have not been disclosed publicly.