Pau Gasol to Represent Olympic Athletes on IOC Until 2028 LA Games

The two-time NBA champion was elected by Olympic athletes to represent them on the IOC Executive Board.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Pau Gasol, a two-time NBA champion, was elected by Olympic athletes on Friday to represent them on the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Executive Board until the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Why it matters

Gasol's election to the IOC Executive Board gives athletes a voice in the decision-making process for the Olympic Games and other major international sporting events. As a former Olympian himself, Gasol is well-positioned to advocate for the interests of active and retired athletes.

The details

Gasol, who won two NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers, competed for the Spanish national basketball team in four Olympic Games, winning a silver medal in 2008 and a bronze in 2016. He will be the first active athlete to serve on the IOC Executive Board since 2016.

  • Gasol was elected by Olympic athletes on Friday, February 20, 2026.
  • Gasol will represent athletes on the IOC Executive Board until the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

The players

Pau Gasol

A two-time NBA champion who competed for the Spanish national basketball team in four Olympic Games, winning a silver medal in 2008 and a bronze in 2016.

International Olympic Committee (IOC)

The governing body of the Olympic Movement, with responsibility for overseeing the organization of the Olympic Games.

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What’s next

Gasol will begin his term on the IOC Executive Board immediately and will serve until the conclusion of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

The takeaway

Pau Gasol's election to the IOC Executive Board is a significant step in giving active and retired athletes a greater say in the governance of the Olympic Movement, which could lead to reforms and policies that better serve the interests of the athletes themselves.