Rapper Snoop Dogg is named Team USA’s first honorary coach, aiming to bring motivation and West Coast energy to the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games.
LOS ANGELES: Rapper and entertainment mogul Snoop Dogg has been appointed the first-ever honorary coach for Team USA ahead of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games.
The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) announced the role on Thursday, hoping his involvement will bring a unique energy to the American team.
Snoop Dogg, to be known as “Coach Snoop,” will join the “Team Behind the Team” that supports athletes in their pursuit of medals.
“Team USA athletes are the real stars – I’m just here to cheer, uplift and maybe drop a little wisdom from the sidelines,” Snoop said in a statement.
He added that representing the values of talent, heart, and hustle was a win for him.
USOPC chief executive Sarah Hirshland said there was an instant connection between Snoop and the athletes.
“From the moment Snoop met Team USA athletes, there was an instant connection – mutual respect, genuine curiosity and a lot of laughter,” she said.
His enthusiasm for the Olympic and Paralympic Movement was described as contagious.
Snoop was a prominent figure at the recent Paris Olympics, supporting Team USA and performing at a beach party for the LA 2028 handover ceremony.
“From the moment I rolled into Paris, I was instantly welcomed into the USOPC family,” he said.
The 54-year-old has a history in grassroots sport through his Snoop Youth Football League, which has supported over 15,000 young athletes.
This honorary role complements his already-announced position with Olympic broadcaster NBCUniversal for the upcoming Winter Games.
“This is just the beginning,” Snoop said. “Let’s fire up Team USA together.” – Reuters
