Snoop Dogg granted first-of its-kind Olympic honor for Team USA

Snoop Dogg has officially made history by becoming Team USA’s first ever honorary coach ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) announced the exciting news on December 10, after being impressed with his commentating and morale boosting at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games.

"From the moment Snoop met Team USA athletes, there was an instant connection — mutual respect, genuine curiosity and a lot of laughter," USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland said in a statement.

"His enthusiasm for the Olympic and Paralympic Movement is contagious, and we’re thrilled to officially welcome him as a member of the Team Behind the Team."

As part of his duties, Snoop will bring ‘his signature humor and heart to help motivate Team USA athletes on their road to the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 and beyond'.

Snoop previously served as a torch bearer at last year's Olympics (Elsa/Getty Images)

He will also 'lend his voice to help raise awareness and resources' for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation Team USA Fund 'and highlight the hard work of the staff behind the scenes that support athletes on their way to the coveted medal podiums, such as coaches, medical experts, administrators and partners'.

Speaking about the honor, Snoop downplayed the significance of the milestone moment as he said: "I’m just here to cheer, uplift and maybe drop a little wisdom from the sidelines. Team USA athletes are the real stars."

The singer continued: "This team represents the best of what sport can be: talent, heart and hustle. If I can bring a little more love and motivation to that, that’s a win for me."

Best known for his long-running rap career, Snoop’s appearance at last year’s Paris Olympics saw him capture the hearts of an entirely new international audience as he took a starring role in multiple aspects of the games, including carrying the Olympic torch and performing in the closing ceremony.

He also played a key role in the LA 2028 handover ceremony (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)

He also acted as a commentator for the official US broadcast of footage from the Games and regularly mingled with many of Team USA’s most beloved athletes, including Simone Biles, Michael Phelps and Billie Jean King.

Speaking about the experience last year, he told People: "I love the fact that NBC was willing to take a chance on somebody like me that’s kind of rough around the edges.

"It’s an advantage to everybody looking at this that come from where I come from."