The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Wednesday a plan to distribute more than $100 million in grants to athletes competing through the 2028 Olympic Games. This initiative, introduced by IOC member and former NBA star Pau Gasol, will provide $10,000 grants to eligible athletes after their participation in either the Summer or Winter Games.

The program is designed as a financial support mechanism rather than official prize money, a distinction emphasized by Gasol, who referred to the grants as “not prize money.” The decision marks a notable shift in IOC policy after years of resistance to paying athletes directly for their Olympic performances.

The first opportunity to apply for these grants will be made available to nearly 2,900 athletes who competed in the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Subsequently, approximately 11,000 athletes expected to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games will also be eligible for grants totaling about $110 million. To qualify, athletes must meet certain integrity requirements, including not testing positive for doping.

Applications for the grants will be processed through an IOC online platform aimed at supporting athletes both during and after their competitive careers. This platform is part of a broader effort by the IOC to address athlete welfare beyond direct competition, ensuring ongoing assistance as they transition out of active sport.

The overall fund is expected to reach up to $140 million by the end of the 2028 Games, combining allocations for both the Winter and Summer events. The move comes amid increasing calls from athletes and advocates for greater financial recognition of Olympic competitors’ efforts, a demand the IOC had previously resisted.

Gasol, who holds three Olympic medals for Spain and represents athletes on the IOC’s 15-member executive board, described the initiative as "a win for all of us," highlighting the importance of supporting athletes’ careers beyond their Olympic appearances.

While the grants do not equate to the prize money seen in other international competitions, the IOC’s financial commitment signals a significant policy evolution aimed at improving athlete support without altering the traditional Olympic model of amateurism and competition.