U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Athletes to Receive $100,000 Grants for Team Selection
In a transformative move for American athletes, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation has announced that starting with the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, every U.S. Olympian and Paralympian will be eligible for a $100,000 grant upon making the team. This groundbreaking initiative, made possible by a historic $100 million donation from Ross Stevens, founder of Stone Ridge Holdings Group, aims to provide financial security to athletes who have long struggled to balance their sports careers with economic stability.
Stevens emphasized the importance of this financial support, stating, “I do not believe that financial insecurity should stop our nation’s elite athletes from breaking through to new frontiers of excellence.” His contribution marks the largest single donation in the foundation’s history, allowing for this unprecedented program.
The $100,000 grant will be awarded in four payments, becoming accessible 20 years after an athlete retires or at age 45, whichever comes later. In addition, each athlete will receive a $100,000 life insurance policy, aimed at providing further financial security for their chosen beneficiaries. This program is specifically designed for athletes earning less than $1 million annually, ensuring that those who need the funds the most will benefit.
Historically, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes have faced financial challenges due to the lack of direct government funding for their programs. Instead, Team USA has relied heavily on sponsorships and broadcast revenue, which account for roughly 75 to 80 percent of its budget. Many athletes have had to juggle training with odd jobs just to make ends meet. According to U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation president Christine Walshe, 57 percent of U.S. athletes earn $50,000 or less per year.
Biathlete Deedra Irwin shared her struggles, recalling, “At 25, 26, I was like, ‘I can’t do this to my family anymore. I can’t keep living in my car. I have student loans. I have to get on with my life.’” Paralympian Oksana Masters echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that the new program addresses a long-standing gap in financial support for athletes.
With only 99 days to go until the Opening Ceremony, the stakes are high for the hundreds of U.S. athletes still vying for qualification spots. As they prepare for upcoming World Cup and international competitions, the promise of financial support adds an extra layer of motivation. Cross-country skier Gus Schumacher remarked, “The $100,000 definitely motivates all of us to make that team, especially for the people who are right on the edge.”
Athletes can accumulate benefits with each Olympic or Paralympic appearance, meaning those who qualify multiple times could receive substantial financial rewards. The foundation’s efforts reflect a broader shift in how it supports athletes, with plans to double its fundraising goal to $500 million by the time the Los Angeles Games arrive in 2028.
USOPC chairman Gene Sykes highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “These extraordinary individuals have committed their lives to their sport, often at the expense of traditional career paths and financial savings.” This new program signals a commitment to ensuring that athletes’ sacrifices are recognized and rewarded, providing a safety net as they transition into post-athletic life.
In Walshe’s words, the program simplifies the path to financial support: “Make the Olympics, get $100,000. It’s about time.”
