USOPC Eyes Private Equity Pivot via 'United States Olympic and Paralympic Ventures'
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As LA28 looms, the USOPC is weighing a shift from its non-profit roots to a commercial entity designed to monetize Team USA's intellectual property.
The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) is moving toward a fundamental restructuring of its business model, shifting from a non-profit legacy toward a private equity-backed vehicle, as first reported by The Guardian. The USOPC is in advanced stages of creating a commercial entity titled United States Olympic and Paralympic Ventures (USOPV), with the intent to sell a stake in Team USA's commercial rights in exchange for capital.
This pivot is timed to capitalize on the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland told Reuters that the organization is preparing to transition away from United States Olympic and Paralympic Properties—its current commercial partnership with LA28—which expires after the Games. Hirshland noted that the transition has been under discussion for several years and is intended to create sustainable commercial strength that incorporates future host organizations, including the 2034 Winter Games in Salt Lake City.
From a term-sheet perspective, the scale of the venture is significant. Sky News reports that the USOPC has engaged investment bank Raine Group as an advisor, with the potential valuation of the venture reaching into the billions of dollars. While Raine Group has not commented, board meeting minutes cited by The Guardian indicate that Hirshland has received "encouraging feedback" from preliminary discussions with strategic and investment partners who have validated the strategic rationale of the USOPV.
Unlike many other national Olympic committees, the USOPC already operates without government funding, relying instead on licensing, sponsorships, and commercial revenue. The organization stated it is evaluating these options to increase resources for national governing bodies and athletes while maintaining its leadership and governance. The USOPC further noted that it has consulted federation and athlete representatives during the process.
This move mirrors a broader trend of sports governing bodies seeking private capital to unlock the value of intellectual property, though it follows a cautionary tale in global sports. The Guardian notes that Fifa recently abandoned a plan to create a $20bn subsidiary to manage World Cup rights—which would have offered up to 20% equity to investors—following a massive revolt from the soccer community that threatened the job of Fifa president Gianni Infantino.