United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and United States Olympic & Paralympic Foundation Announce $100 Million Gift to Support Post-Games Financial Security for Team USA Athletes

Transformative gift from entrepreneur and philanthropist Ross Stevens addresses critical financial challenges for athletes, empowering them to shape their futures beyond sport 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) today announced a groundbreaking initiative to provide unprecedented financial support to the athletes who have committed their lives to represent the United States in the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The new program has been made possible by the bold vision and $100 million anchor funding gift to the United States Olympic & Paralympic Foundation (USOPF) from Ross Stevens, long-time Team USA supporter and Founder & CEO of Stone Ridge Holdings Group.  

“In the heart of every Team USA athlete lies a story of dedication, sacrifice and triumph,” said USOPC Chair Gene Sykes. “These extraordinary individuals have committed their lives to their sport, often at the expense of traditional career paths and financial savings. As they approach the end of their competitive journeys—often as young as 25 or 30—many face a daunting reality: the lack of financial savings to support them and their loved ones in their post-athletic life.” 

The Stevens Financial Security Awards (Stevens Awards) provide U.S. Olympians and Paralympians significant financial benefits in the post-athletic period of their lives, both in terms of income and benefits for their families and beneficiaries. The awards empower their dreams while building peace of mind for the future beyond their time representing Team USA. 

“Because of Ross' extraordinary generosity and philanthropic creativity,” Sykes continued, “we can create more than a financial safety net— we can build a springboard that will propel these athletes to even greater heights beyond their Olympic and Paralympic careers.”  

"The Olympic and Paralympic Games are the ultimate symbol of human excellence. I do not believe that financial insecurity should stop our nation's elite athletes from breaking through to new frontiers of excellence,” said Stevens. “Team USA athletes, extraordinary individuals, have proven they can achieve greatness and represent our incredible country with pride. The Stevens Awards honor the sacrifices they have made on behalf of all Americans while inspiring the development of their dreams in the post-Games chapter of their lives.” 

The Stevens Financial Security Award: A Transformative Initiative  

Anchored by Stevens' historic $100 million gift—the largest gift in the USOPC’s history—the Stevens Awards will provide economic stability for U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Starting with the Olympic and Paralympic Games Milan-Cortina 2026, and going at least through the 2032 Games, every U.S. Olympian and Paralympian will receive $200,000 in financial benefits for each Games in which they compete: 

• $100,000 to Live: eligible athletes will be able to access this award 20 years after their qualifying Games or at 45 years of age, whichever is later.  The grant will be paid over the course of four years and can be used for any purpose, such as starting a business or supporting their families.  

• $100,000 to Protect: eligible athletes will receive a guaranteed benefit for their families or chosen beneficiaries upon their death. 

• Multiplier effect: eligible athletes will receive $200,000 in benefits for each Games in which they compete. For instance, an athlete competing in three Olympic or Paralympic Games would receive $600,000 in benefits. 

The program combines the power of compounding—the idea that money invested today can grow exponentially over very long periods—with the power of guaranteed benefits made possible by life insurance.   

“Ross’ gift is extremely innovative in its design. It is not only the size of the gift but also that Ross personally designed it to meet the needs of Olympic and Paralympic athletes, both in terms of current income and ultimate protection for their families. The mission of Ross’ firm is to provide financial security for all. Here, he applies his creativity in finance to achieve that same goal for our country’s most elite athletes,” said Ted Mathas, Senior Advisor to Stone Ridge and former CEO and Chairman of New York Life.  

Stevens’ gift continues his track record of innovation in philanthropy, which includes establishing the first fintech center at a major business school (Wharton), transforming the PhD program for the outstanding business school students at the University of Chicago (Booth), and using bitcoin to empower human rights activists in authoritarian countries. 

A Call to Action for Our Community   

On March 4, Sykes took the stage at the Stone Ridge Annual Conference to unveil the program and Stevens’ groundbreaking gift. In his words, "The USOPC is committed to supporting the dreams of Team USA athletes and hopefuls as they strive to represent the U.S. at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. We are profoundly grateful for the extraordinary gift from Ross Stevens which highlights how philanthropy can fundamentally change the lives of athletes." 

Stevens added, “Admiration of U.S. Olympians and Paralympians is uniquely bipartisan, uniting all Americans, and reminding us of our shared humanity.” Stevens also announced that Stone Ridge will match the contribution of any Stone Ridge employee to this incredible program dollar for dollar, hoping to inspire other firms to follow Stone Ridge’s lead. 

Sykes and Stevens issued a call to action for additional financial support, whereby the program will live forever and support every generation of Olympic and Paralympic athletes to come. 

One of the most powerful aspects of the gift stems from the observation that 60% of U.S. Olympic and Paralympic medals are won by athletes who participated in previous Games. By providing financial support for athletes so they can continue competing and by increasing that support for each Games in which they compete, the Stevens Awards will dramatically increase the likelihood that athletes will continue competing, and winning, for America.  

About the United States Olympic & Paralympic Foundation 

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Team USA athletes on and off the field of play. As the fundraising arm of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, the USOPF generates philanthropic support to empower Team USA athletes to achieve sustained competitive excellence and well-being.  Since its inception in 2013, the USOPF has raised over $460 million for Team USA athletes and programs, significantly contributing to the development and success of U.S. Olympians, Paralympians, and hopefuls. 

The foundation’s efforts have led to substantial advancements, including an expanded mental health program that now encompasses hundreds of providers offering both in-person and virtual counseling. Additionally, 40 national sport organizations have benefited from donor-funded technology and data projects, providing Team USA with a competitive edge. The foundation has also supported countless athletes with tuition assistance, enabling them to pursue higher education alongside their athletic endeavors. 

To learn more about the foundation, visit give.teamusa.org.