IOC’s $100M US cash grants represent progress, but the flaws are obvious

On Wednesday morning, the International Olympic Committee went public with its plans to edge toward the 21st century in terms of athlete compensation, so it’s fitting that it chose retired basketball player Pau Gasol as a spokesman. 

As an NBA player, Gasol earned more than $220 million US in salary over 18 seasons, and as an Olympian he brought home three medals and precious memories as a star on Spain’s national team.

So yes, the IOC is now set to pay Olympic athletes.

At last.

Details are as follows:

The IOC has allocated $100 million to a fund established to pay athletes who competed at the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina. To access the cash, which the IOC will hand out in $10,000 grants, athletes will need to submit an application. The eligibility window opens post-Games to ensure all applicants passed their drug tests at the Olympics.

After laying out the particulars, Gasol, who is now an IOC board member, clarified that the payment plan is “not prize money,” but described the development as “a big win for all of us.”

I wouldn’t go that far. It’s progress, for sure. Until this year, the IOC was paying the athletes who make the Olympics appointment viewing the same amount it pays folks like us, who sit at home and watch on our preferred screen.

Zero dollars, zero cents.

A big win would mean some combination of appearance fees and prize money, without requiring athletes to fill out an application. Qualifying for the Olympics is application enough. 

Wednesday’s development is a step forward, but it’s not a resounding victory for athletes. If this were a soccer game, it’s the late goal that salvages a draw. Not a loss, but still not a victory. A result, and mere results suffice sometimes.

As always, context is key.