The Rewards of Olympic Gold for LeBron James
LeBron James, along with his U.S. men’s basketball team, secured a gold medal at the Olympics in Paris. While the glory of winning is undoubtedly priceless, there are some financial perks that come with it as well.
Although U.S. athletes do not receive direct payment for competing in the Olympics, they are eligible for bonuses based on medal wins. In Tokyo, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee awarded $37,500 for each gold medal, $22,500 for silver, and $15,000 for bronze.
LeBron James, alongside his talented teammates like Steph Curry and Anthony Edwards, is set to receive the $37,500 bonus for their gold medal triumph. However, this sum is just a fraction of the $104 million NBA contract that James currently holds with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Comparatively, other U.S. Olympians like Simone Biles and Sha’Carri Richardson are expected to earn higher bonuses for their medal achievements. Biles is said to receive $135,000 for her exceptional performance in Paris.
What’s Inside the Box for Olympic Medalists?
Aside from the prestigious medal, Olympic athletes are also presented with a special box. Inside this box lies an official Paris Olympics poster designed by French artist Ugo Gattoni. The intricate illustration showcases various sports featured in the Games.
Furthermore, medalists receive a delightful surprise in the form of a small stuffed mascot representing their medal color. These mascots serve as a memorable keepsake from their Olympic journey.
TEGNA’s Megan Divers contributed to this report.