It has been revealed how much the athletes competing for Team USA at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics games will earn, regardless of how they perform.

With 232 competitors set to represent the United States in the 2026 games, the country has the largest representation of the 92 National Olympic Committees participating. The San Siro took host to the opening ceremony on Saturday night, with Andrea Bocelli and Mariah Carey amongst those performing in a spectacular event.

However, the main talking point of the opening ceremony was the fact that Team USA were booed as they were introduced to the crowd. As awkward as that situation was, though, the nation’s athletes will still be well compensated for their efforts in Italy.

Every Team USA Athlete at the Winter Olympics Will Earn a Six-Figure Sum

In addition to the raft of sponsorship and endorsement opportunities, the athletes are guaranteed to receive a six-figure sum simply for making the team.

Thanks to a staggering donation of $100 million from billionaire Ross Stevens, CEO of Stone Ridge Holdings Group, each athlete is set to receive a guaranteed $200,000 (£147,000).

While the sum on offer is an eye-watering one, it’s not as straightforward as the amount just being transferred to an athlete’s bank account after the Games. In fact, athletes will not seeing any of the payment for a significant period.

The first $100,000 becomes payable once an athlete reaches 45 years old, or 20 years since their first qualifying Olympic performance, whichever comes later. Seven athletes will be going into their fifth games in 2026. However, with none yet being 45 years old, they won’t receive a cent yet.

The remaining $100,000 will be awarded as a guaranteed benefit for the families of the athlete once they pass away.

Stevens has explained why he has structured the bonus in such a way, noting that he wanted to provide financial stability for athletes in later life, as well as incentivising them to compete in multiple Games. The bonus is available each time an athlete qualifies for an Olympic (or Paralympic) Games.

Stevens stated: “The Olympic and Paralympic Games are the ultimate symbol of human excellence. I do not believe that financial insecurity should stop our nation’s elite athletes from breaking through to new frontiers of excellence.”

Why Financial Stability is So Important For Olympic Athletes

The need for financial security has been highlighted by the case of Lauryn Williams, who was the American woman to medal in both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. She won gold in the 4 x 100m relay at London 2012, before claiming silver in the women’s bobsleigh at Sochi 2014.

At the peak of her fame, she earned $200,000 a year, but now reportedly works for just $12 an hour in an office job.

However, in addition to Stevens’ $200,000 payment, successful athletes can also cash in by winning a medal in Milan. The United States Olympic and Paralymic Committee awards medalists $37,500 for gold, $22,500 for silver, and $15,000 for bronze.

Team GB athletes aren’t so lucky, though, with no performance-related bonuses on offer and £27,800 of funding given to cover training costs per athlete.