The International Olympic Committee committed over $100 million to pay athletes directly through a new grant system. This fund provides $10,000 payments that competitors can request after participating in either a Summer or Winter Games. Former NBA player Pau Gasol introduced the project during a meeting in Switzerland.

Pressure from athletes drove this decision after years of requests for prize money at the Games. Many competitors face high training costs without guaranteed income, making these grants a shift in how the organization supports its participants. This move acknowledges the financial strain on those competing at the highest level of sport.

Nearly 3,000 athletes from the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games will be the first group eligible to apply for the funds. By providing $10,000 grants, the committee creates a direct financial link between the governing body and the competitors. The program targets athletes regardless of their final podium placement.