The Olympic Village in Paris is bustling with 14,000 athletes, but the stars of the basketball Team USA are absent. Since 1992, when the USA began sending NBA players to the Olympic Games, these athletes have never stayed in the Olympic Village and this tradition continues in Paris.
USA Basketball’s 2024 Olympic budget: $15 million to ensure LeBron and Co. have the most VIP experience Paris can offer. 🏀💸 Between hotels, security, and staying distraction-free, it’s clear—Team USA isn’t just playing for gold, they’re investing in it. #OlympicSplurge…
— Grab Bag Gazette (@TheGrabGazette) August 2, 2024
According to Justin Birnbaum, the USA basketball team has opted for a different accommodation, renting a hotel in the city center with a capacity of 800 rooms. This hotel not only houses the men’s and women’s national basketball teams but also their families, professional staff, security personnel, managers, and NBA representatives.
This luxurious setup in Paris comes with a hefty price tag of around $15 million. This amount covers not just the hotel expenses but also charter flights, equipment transportation, and all other necessities for the players in Paris.
For comparison, the USA allocates between $218,000 and $327,000 to cover all expenses for 20 rowers at the Olympic Games, highlighting the significant investment made for the basketball teams.