THREE POINTER:

• Olympic Paychecks: NBA players don’t get paid by the USOPC, but they do score bonuses from shoe deals.
• Sneaker Sales Spike: Global exposure at the Olympics boosts sneaker sales and personal royalties.
• Medal Money: Winning Olympic medals brings in cash bonuses, with significant payouts for gold.

NBA players are among the most recognized faces at the Olympics, but are they cashing in during the games? Not directly from the usual suspects like the NBA or the IOC, but there’s more to the story when it comes to their bank accounts swelling during the global event.

The Sneaker Deal Side Hustle

While the NBA, IOC, and USOPC don’t pay players to participate, sneaker giants like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour certainly do. These companies dish out bonuses, albeit small compared to their NBA salaries, for players who represent their brands on the Olympic stage.

> “The Olympics is one of the biggest moments where you have an opportunity where the whole world is kind of frozen, and let’s take advantage of the opportunity for the world to see, whether it’s a new shoe or new color,” said Nana Dadzie, Curry Brand head of marketing.

Global Exposure, Global Sales

The Olympics serve as a massive marketing platform, especially for brands like Nike, which outfits the U.S. team. This global exposure is crucial as Nike and Adidas make a significant portion of their revenue outside North America. Players with signature sneakers also enjoy a spike in sales, which translates to hefty royalties.

The Rule 40 Challenge

Non-Nike brands face restrictions under the Olympics’ Rule 40, which limits marketing opportunities for athletes. However, brands like Under Armour navigate these waters by releasing special “Team USA” colorways during the Olympics, boosting both visibility and sales.

Medal Bonuses: Not Just a Token

Apart from brand bonuses, there’s real gold in winning medals. The USOPC pays $37,500 for a gold medal, with Canada and Serbia offering their own lucrative payouts. These bonuses provide a significant financial incentive for athletes to excel on the world stage.

The Case for More

Historically, NBA players like Dwyane Wade and Ray Allen have argued that players should receive a cut from the revenue generated by Olympic basketball due to the immense value they bring. While direct payments aren’t on the table, the global exposure often leads to more valuable endorsement deals, proving the Olympic platform can be worth its weight in gold (and then some).

For all the details on how NBA players benefit financially from the Olympics, Read the full article HERE.

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