Legendary rapper Snoop Dogg was named the first-ever honorary coach for Team USA at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Snoop Dogg will serve as a voice for the Team USA fund, which is the primary way fans can directly support their athletes. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee said all proceeds given to the fund will go back to the athletes and Team USA programs. He also took on a visible role in this year’s Games, where he was named a torchbearer, carrying the flame through the streets of Gallarate, Italy. 

Winter Olympics
The pop culture icon has partnered with the USOPC to bring his energy to support the U.S. in the Games. His role as honorary coach will celebrate and uplift 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,” Snoop Dogg said in a USOPC press release. “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.”

Alongside this new role, he will return to his seat at NBC, where he will be working alongside Mike Tirico as an NBC correspondent. 

Sports involvement
Snoop’s involvement in the sports world is nothing new. In 2005, he launched the Snoop Youth Football League, a nonprofit that provides resources for inner-city youth to be a part of youth football and cheerleading. The nonprofit serves children ages 5-13, according to the league’s website, and teaches them key life skills and values, such as teamwork, good sportsmanship and discipline. 

“The objective of the SYFL is to provide youth, regardless of race, color, creed or economic background, the chance to learn the values of character, integrity, discipline and team work through football and cheer,” the league’s website states. 

C.J. Stroud is a notable success story of this league. Now playing as quarterback for the Houston Texans, Stroud played two seasons in the league and has since taken on a mentor role for the program. 

In 2017, SYFL began to expand, adding the Snoop Special Stars division. This part of the non-profit aims to serve children ages five and older with disabilities, with the goal of breaking the stigma around youth with disabilities and providing as much support as they can. 

“Our mission is to provide affordable, positive and fun outlets for individuals and families with disabilities,” the organization’s website states.