American Olympians Earn Less Than You Think

A $100 million donation aims to change the payouts for all U.S. athletes, not just medalists.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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While the Olympics captivate global audiences, the financial realities for American Olympians are quite different from other countries. The International Olympic Committee does not pay athletes directly, leaving payouts to each country's Olympic committee. For American medalists, the payout is significantly lower than other nations like Singapore and Italy. However, a recent $100 million donation is shaking things up, providing all U.S. Olympians with substantial financial support regardless of their performance.

Why it matters

The financial incentives and support provided to Olympians can impact participation, training, and the overall competitiveness of a nation's Olympic team. The stark contrast between American payouts and those of other countries raises questions about the long-term sustainability and future success of U.S. Olympic efforts.

The details

American medalists will receive the same payout as the 2022 and 2024 Olympics: $37,500 for gold, $22,500 for silver, and $15,000 for bronze. However, a $100 million donation from billionaire Ross Stevens is providing every American Olympian with $200,000 - $100,000 for 20 years after their first Olympics or when they turn 45, and $100,000 for their family upon the athlete's passing. This is a significant boost compared to the medalist-only payouts. In contrast, Singapore offers over $740,000 for gold, $369,000 for silver, and $184,000 for bronze, while Italy provides $215,000 for gold, $125,000 for silver, and $75,000 for bronze.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics are currently underway.
  • The $100 million donation from Ross Stevens was made prior to the 2026 Games.

The players

Ross Stevens

A billionaire who donated $100 million to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee to provide financial support to all American Olympians, not just medalists.

U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee

The organization responsible for managing the U.S. Olympic team and determining athlete payouts.

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What’s next

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee will continue to distribute the $100 million donation to all American Olympians competing in future games.

The takeaway

The stark contrast in Olympic athlete payouts between the U.S. and other countries highlights the need for more equitable financial support for American Olympians. The $100 million donation is a step in the right direction, but long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the U.S. Olympic team will require further investment and reform.