Olympic Athletes Sell Custom Gear on eBay

Olympians cash in on exclusive swag to supplement limited incomes

Feb. 21, 2026 at 6:05pm

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As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina wind down, some athletes are selling their exclusive, limited-edition gear on eBay, including custom Samsung phones, Ralph Lauren apparel, and other items. While this has sparked debate over the ethics of cashing in on Olympic-issued gear, many athletes say they need the extra income since most do not have lucrative sponsorship deals or substantial savings to fall back on.

Why it matters

The practice of Olympians selling their gear highlights the financial realities faced by most elite athletes, who often struggle to make ends meet despite their athletic accomplishments. It also raises questions about the IOC's Rule 40, which restricts athletes' ability to promote their own sponsors during the Games.

The details

Athletes competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics were given exclusive gear from sponsors like Samsung, Ralph Lauren, and Skims. Some have chosen to resell items like limited-edition Galaxy Z Flip 7 phones, which have fetched over $1,000 on eBay. Team USA's Hahna Norman explained that while representing the US at the Olympics is an honor, most athletes don't have substantial incomes or savings, so selling extra gear is a way to supplement their finances. Other hot-ticket items include the Team USA eagle skirt, Olympic mascot plushies, and pins.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan Cortina are winding down.
  • Athletes received their limited-edition gear in the days leading up to the Olympics.

The players

Hahna Norman

A Team USA snowboarder who competed in the women's big air and slopestyle events.

Ted-Jan Bloemen

A Canadian speed skater who previously sold gear from the 2022 Beijing Olympics to help fund his journey to the 2026 Milan Cortina Games.

International Olympic Committee (IOC)

The governing body of the Olympic movement, which enforces Rule 40 to restrict athletes' ability to promote their own sponsors during the Games.

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What they’re saying

“I think that there's this perception that when you make it to the Olympics, you're an elite athlete and you're making a ton of money. But for most, that is not at all the case.”

— Hahna Norman, Team USA Snowboarder

“Support my journey to the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics by buying this Lululemon kit from the previous Winter Olympics.”

— Ted-Jan Bloemen, Canadian Speed Skater

What’s next

The International Olympic Committee may consider revising Rule 40 to allow athletes more flexibility in promoting their own sponsors during the Games, in order to help supplement their incomes.

The takeaway

This practice highlights the financial challenges faced by most Olympic athletes, who often struggle to make ends meet despite their athletic accomplishments. It also raises questions about the fairness of the IOC's Rule 40 and whether more should be done to support these elite competitors.