In an unprecedented fusion of culture and sport, global rap icon Snoop Dogg has been unveiled as Team USA’s first‑ever honorary coach. The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) confirmed the legendary artist — born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. — will take up this unique position in the run‑up to the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milano Cortina, Italy.
At 54, Snoop has long straddled the worlds of entertainment and community work, but this appointment marks a historic first: he’ll be embedded within the “Team Behind the Team”. This eclectic group comprises not just official coaches and support staff, but also individuals who offer encouragement, positivity and visibility for athletes — particularly in the high‑pressure environment of elite international competition.
In announcing his new role, Snoop Dogg made it clear that his focus isn’t on technical coaching or strategy. “Team USA athletes are the real stars — I’m just here to cheer, uplift and maybe drop a little wisdom from the sidelines,” he said in a statement. “This team represents the best of what sport can be: talent, heart and hustle. If I can bring a little more love and motivation to that, that’s a win for me.”
A Role Rooted in Celebration and Uplift
The USOPC’s newly defined honorary coach position is intentionally broad. Rather than overseeing training, Snoop will act as a visible morale‑booster and advocate for athletes’ emotional wellbeing and broader journeys. This includes spotlighting mental health support, career transition resources and the under‑appreciated elements of elite sport that go far beyond medals and press conferences.
The move builds on Snoop’s visible presence at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where he served as a hype‑man and cultural correspondent for NBCUniversal’s Olympic coverage. His charismatic appearances, including performances and public interactions, left an unmistakable imprint on fans and athletes alike, sparking a deeper relationship with the Olympic movement.
USOPC chief executive Sarah Hirshland praised Snoop for the “instant connection” he forged with Team USA competitors. “From the moment Snoop met Team USA athletes, there was mutual respect, curiosity and plenty of shared laughter,” she said. “His enthusiasm for the Olympic and Paralympic Movement is truly contagious, and we are thrilled to welcome him as a part of the Team Behind the Team.”
Beyond the Ice and Snow: Snoop’s Broader Impact
Snoop’s influence isn’t confined to entertainment. He’s also a committed youth sport advocate, particularly through his Snoop Youth Football League, which has supported more than 15,000 young people — including those with disabilities — across the United States. That grassroots engagement aligns with his new honorary coach role, which emphasises the human side of sport, not just competitive success.
In addition to his inspirational duties, Snoop will help raise awareness for the Team USA Fund — a resource that directs financial support to athletes for training, mental health, education and career transition. He’s also collaborating with Fanatics on a “Coach Snoop × Team USA” merchandise line, with proceeds benefiting the team.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games run from 6 to 22 February 2026. As Snoop Dogg takes up his honorary coach mantle, he’s set not only to cheer athletes on, but also to shape how the world sees sport — as a blend of resilience, joy, and human connection.