IOC unveils $10,000 grant for all Olympians in first direct payment
The International Olympic Committee will pay every Olympic athlete a $10,000 grant, starting retroactively with the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games, in the first direct athlete funding in its 132-year history.
The announcement
During the 146th IOC Session in Lausanne, Pau Gasol, chair of the Athletes’ Commission, announced the 'Fit for the Future Olympian Grant'. The IOC will provide $10,000 to each athlete who competes in the Olympics, provided they meet eligibility criteria. The programme begins retroactively with the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games, with payments expected in 2027. The IOC has set aside $140 million per Olympic cycle for the grants, covering roughly 14,000 athletes.
Rationale and athlete recognition
Gasol stressed that the grant is not tied to performance, but acknowledges the sacrifices all Olympians make. The move comes after years of debate over athlete compensation, as professional sports generated massive revenues while many athletes struggled financially. Gasol said the grant would be available to every Olympian, not just medalists, ensuring inclusivity.This is not prize money. This is about recognising the journey and the commitment it takes to become an Olympian.
A policy reversal
For decades the IOC resisted direct payments, adhering to the amateur ideal. In May 2026, president Kirsty Coventry said she did not believe in paying athletes, drawing a petition calling for her resignation. Wednesday’s announcement marks a change in stance.
It has been a topic of conversation for many years, and I am extremely proud that we are now able to do this.
Reactions
Athlete advocacy groups welcomed the grant.
Hartung, of the German Sports Aid Foundation, noted that years of hard work and sacrifice deserve direct financial recognition. The fund comes entirely from the Olympic Foundation and will not reduce existing allocations to National Olympic Committees or International Federations.The IOC’s decision is a significant step towards greater appreciation for Olympians worldwide.
Eligibility and conditions
To receive the grant, athletes must not have committed anti-doping violations, nor breached the IOC’s code of ethics or Olympic Charter criteria. Even high-earning professionals from the NBA, football or tennis are eligible, though Gasol encouraged them to donate or refuse the payment so that unclaimed funds remain in the IOC’s pool for future athletes. Paralympians are not included, as the International Paralympic Committee is a separate organisation.
Implementation timeline
The IOC will distribute the grants through national Olympic committees, which must verify that funds are passed to the athletes. Application procedures are expected to be activated by the end of 2026, with the first payouts in 2027. The grant will then be applied to the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics, with the $140 million fund sufficient for the anticipated 11,000 participants.
- Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics held (retroactive grant applies)
- IOC announces $10,000 grant for all Olympians at 146th Session in Lausanne
- Application procedures expected to be activated
- First grant payouts anticipated for Milan-Cortina athletes
- Los Angeles 2028 Olympics: grant extended to new participants
