US Olympic Committee Secures Historic Deal with Ross Stevens for $100M Retirement Fund
In a major coup for American athletes, financier Ross Stevens has pledged a whopping $100 million to provide post-Olympic retirement benefits to Team USA athletes. Starting with the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics, all participating American Olympians and Paralympians will be eligible for a share of this generous gift.
As part of the deal, the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOPC) will create the Stevens Financial Security Awards, which will offer athletes $200,000 or more in retirement funds. This windfall is expected to boost the financial stability of athletes and provide them with long-term security after their competitive careers come to an end.
Historically, American athletes have not received significant financial compensation beyond cash prizes for medalling. However, this new initiative aims to change that narrative. The Stevens Awards will offer athletes a safety net of $100,000 either 20 years after their initial qualifying Games or when they turn 45 years old, whichever comes later.
The program also includes a "multiplier effect" clause, which applies the retirement benefits to each Olympic or Paralympic Game an athlete participates in throughout their career. This means that athletes who compete multiple times could receive significantly more than the initial $200,000, potentially earning upwards of $600,000.
Notably, this is the first time Team USA will receive a pension plan under the Stevens Awards. The initiative joins a growing trend globally, with countries like Russia and China providing retirement stipends to Olympians, as well as South Korea's lifetime monthly pensions for medalists.
While some athletes may earn substantial amounts through sponsorships and other means, many others struggle financially after their careers end. The Stevens Awards aim to bridge this gap by supporting athletes who require financial assistance.
By securing this deal, the USOPC has taken a significant step towards ensuring the long-term financial well-being of its athletes. As Team USA takes to the ice and track in Milan Cortina, they will be represented not only by their national pride but also by a pioneering initiative that promises to provide them with a brighter future beyond their competitive careers.
In a major coup for American athletes, financier Ross Stevens has pledged a whopping $100 million to provide post-Olympic retirement benefits to Team USA athletes. Starting with the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics, all participating American Olympians and Paralympians will be eligible for a share of this generous gift.
As part of the deal, the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOPC) will create the Stevens Financial Security Awards, which will offer athletes $200,000 or more in retirement funds. This windfall is expected to boost the financial stability of athletes and provide them with long-term security after their competitive careers come to an end.
Historically, American athletes have not received significant financial compensation beyond cash prizes for medalling. However, this new initiative aims to change that narrative. The Stevens Awards will offer athletes a safety net of $100,000 either 20 years after their initial qualifying Games or when they turn 45 years old, whichever comes later.
The program also includes a "multiplier effect" clause, which applies the retirement benefits to each Olympic or Paralympic Game an athlete participates in throughout their career. This means that athletes who compete multiple times could receive significantly more than the initial $200,000, potentially earning upwards of $600,000.
Notably, this is the first time Team USA will receive a pension plan under the Stevens Awards. The initiative joins a growing trend globally, with countries like Russia and China providing retirement stipends to Olympians, as well as South Korea's lifetime monthly pensions for medalists.
While some athletes may earn substantial amounts through sponsorships and other means, many others struggle financially after their careers end. The Stevens Awards aim to bridge this gap by supporting athletes who require financial assistance.
By securing this deal, the USOPC has taken a significant step towards ensuring the long-term financial well-being of its athletes. As Team USA takes to the ice and track in Milan Cortina, they will be represented not only by their national pride but also by a pioneering initiative that promises to provide them with a brighter future beyond their competitive careers.