U.S. Olympians Receive $200,000 Payout, But Take-Home Varies by State

Billionaire's pledge aims to provide financial security, but taxes impact final amount

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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All U.S. Olympians and Paralympians will receive a $200,000 payout from billionaire Ross Stevens, but the actual take-home amount they receive depends on where they live due to differing state income tax rates. The payout is structured as $100,000 at age 45 or 20 years after their first Olympic appearance, and another $100,000 as a guaranteed benefit for their families after they pass away.

Why it matters

The payout is intended to provide financial security for elite athletes who often make significant sacrifices and face financial burdens to train and compete. However, the actual post-tax income boost can range from $48,350 to $73,176 depending on the athlete's state of residence and income level, highlighting how state tax policies impact the real-world value of the pledge.

The details

The $100,000 that Olympians receive during their lifetime will be treated as taxable income, unlike the cash prizes given to medalists. This means the actual take-home amount can be significantly less than $100,000, with a Fortune analysis finding the income boost ranging from $48,350 to $73,176 based on today's tax rates. Factors like state income tax rates, other income, and deductions all play a role in the final post-tax amount.

  • Olympians will receive the first $100,000 at age 45 or 20 years after their first qualifying Olympic appearance, whichever comes later.
  • The second $100,000 will be given as a guaranteed benefit for the Olympians' families after they pass away.

The players

Ross Stevens

The billionaire founder and CEO of Stone Ridge Holdings Group who donated $100 million to the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee to fund the $200,000 payout to each U.S. Olympian.

Nathan Goldman

An accounting professor at North Carolina State University who estimates that the majority of Olympians earn between $150,000 and $200,000 in today's money.

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What they’re saying

“I do not believe that financial insecurity should stop our nation's elite athletes from breaking through to new frontiers of excellence.”

— Ross Stevens, Founder and CEO, Stone Ridge Holdings Group (Fortune)

“Even the Olympians that we know their names a little bit better, are still nowhere near the million dollars when they're in these less popular sports as professionals.”

— Nathan Goldman, Accounting Professor, North Carolina State University (Fortune)

What’s next

The second $100,000 payout to the Olympians' families after their passing could be subject to estate or gift taxes depending on the rest of their estate's value.

The takeaway

While the $200,000 payout from billionaire Ross Stevens is a significant financial boost for U.S. Olympians, the actual post-tax income increase they receive can vary widely based on their state of residence and income level, highlighting how state tax policies impact the real-world value of such pledges aimed at providing financial security for elite athletes.