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Celtics' Jaylen Brown Mulls Playing for France After Team USA Snub
The All-Star forward may seek French citizenship to join Les Bleus for the 2028 Olympics.
Feb. 26, 2026 at 5:18am
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Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown was surprisingly left off the 2024 U.S. Olympic basketball team, despite coming off a championship and Finals MVP season. Frustrated by the snub, Brown may now consider seeking French citizenship to play for the French national team, Les Bleus, which would make them an even more formidable squad for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Why it matters
Brown's potential defection to the French national team would be a major blow to Team USA's chances of gold, as he is one of the NBA's rising stars. It also raises questions about the selection process for the U.S. Olympic team and whether politics or personal vendettas may play a role in who makes the roster.
The details
After being left off the 2024 U.S. Olympic team in favor of Celtics teammate Derrick White, the 29-year-old Brown did not hide his displeasure. Now, former NBA player Chandler Parsons believes Brown may seek French citizenship out of spite, making the already-stacked French national team even more formidable. France lost to the U.S. in the 2024 Olympic gold medal game.
- Brown was left off the 2024 U.S. Olympic team roster.
- The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are scheduled to take place.
The players
Jaylen Brown
A 29-year-old forward for the Boston Celtics who was surprisingly left off the 2024 U.S. Olympic basketball team despite coming off a championship and Finals MVP season.
Chandler Parsons
A former NBA player who believes Brown may seek French citizenship to play for the French national team, Les Bleus, out of spite for being snubbed by Team USA.
Michelle Beadle
A co-host who suggested Brown could potentially get French citizenship and play for Les Bleus.
What they’re saying
“Jaylen Brown is the biggest thing. They have to figure out Jaylen Brown. Let it go. Let it go and put him on the team.”
— Chandler Parsons, Former NBA Player
“He's the type of dude I feel like is going to go get some citizenship somewhere else though and really stick it to us.”
— Chandler Parsons, Former NBA Player
“Go to France. Do you have any French anywhere?”
— Michelle Beadle, Co-Host
What’s next
It remains to be seen whether Jaylen Brown will actually pursue French citizenship and play for Les Bleus at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The process of obtaining citizenship for another country can be complex, and it's unclear if Brown has any French ancestry that could expedite the process.
The takeaway
Jaylen Brown's potential defection to the French national team highlights the politics and personal agendas that can sometimes influence the selection of U.S. Olympic basketball teams. It also underscores the growing global talent pool in the sport, as powerhouse teams like France continue to assemble rosters filled with NBA stars.
