Lifelong sports fan Snoop Dogg has officially joined Team USA, being named its first-ever honorary coach — a role he’s taken on for next year’s Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
In his new position, Coach Snoop will join the rest of the staff, coaches, medical experts, administrators and partners “who help athletes chase their dreams and inspire the nation,” while lending his “signature humor and heart to help motivate Team USA,” the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee said in a statement.
According to the USOPC, the “Gin and Juice” artist will “immediately” get to work, using his platform to spread awareness about the Team USA Fund, which provides direct resources to help the athletes. He’s also partnering with Fanatics on a signature Coach Snoop collection, launching in December — with a portion of the proceeds going to support Team USA.
“Team USA athletes are the real stars — I’m just here to cheer, uplift and maybe drop a little wisdom from the sidelines,” the rapper said. “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.”
Choosing Snoop as the first-ever honorary coach may come as no surprise, given that he’s long supported youth sports programs, even launching his own Snoop Youth Football League. The national nonprofit provides the opportunity for inner-city kids to participate in football and cheer, while teaching them the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline and self-respect.
Snoop was also a fan favorite and memorable presence at last year’s Paris Games, participating in the torch relay during the opening ceremony, serving as a commentator and showing his support from the stands.
“Over the years, I felt like I positioned myself for this. Showing I’m reliable, professional, that I know what I’m doing, and people love to see me,” he told People at the time. “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.”
The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games begin on Feb. 6, with the opening ceremony airing on NBC. Viewers can also stream the Olympics on Peacock.
