Rapper Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., has become an unexpected and beloved presence at the Olympic Games, delighting fans with his humorous antics and unique style.
Known for his laid-back demeanor and quick wit, the 52-year-old has been seen donning various costumes, attempting pole vaulting, and cheering on athletes from the sidelines.
However, Snoop Dogg is now making headlines not just for his entertaining presence, but for the astonishing amount of money he is reportedly earning as an Olympic fan and commentator.
Snoop Dogg is officially in Paris working for the US broadcaster NBC, which secured the broadcasting rights to the Olympics until 2032 for an astounding $7.75 billion in 2014.
Sitting alongside seasoned commentator Mike Tirico, Snoop Dogg entertains viewers with his humorous take on events such as fencing and horse riding. In addition to providing commentary, he has also taken on the role of a reporter, interviewing Olympic legends like Michael Phelps to learn more about their respective sports.
The details of Snoop Dogg’s lucrative Olympic deal were recently revealed by Henry McNamara, a prominent young entrepreneur who was recognized by Forbes and featured in the business magazine’s 30 Under 30 List for Venture Capital in 2020. McNamara shared on X (formerly Twitter) that during a dinner with NBC executives, a high-ranking official allegedly disclosed that Snoop Dogg is receiving a staggering $500,000 per day for his time at the Olympics.
Sat next to an NBC exec at dinner, he said Snoop gets paid $500k a day plus expenses to be here promoting Olympics. From Gin and Juice to a few million to be a celebrity at the Olympics – what a world
— henrylmcnamara (@henrylmcnamara) August 4, 2024
Given that this arrangement covers 16 days, it would amount to an impressive $8 million, not including any additional fees. Moreover, an NBC employee told the German tabloid BILD that Snoop Dogg could potentially earn up to $15 million for his involvement in the games, thanks to a TV ratings bonus.
NBC’s ratings for the Olympics have soared in the United States, with a 79 percent increase compared to the Tokyo Games, averaging 34 million viewers. This surge in viewership is largely attributed to Snoop Dogg’s presence and popularity.
NBC producer Molly Solomon described Snoop Dogg as the “ambassador of happiness” during a pre-games press conference attended by BILD. “We are pleasantly surprised by his popularity,” Solomon added, highlighting how Snoop Dogg is helping NBC reach a completely new audience.
While many fans have supported Snoop Dogg’s hefty paycheck, with one user stating, “He’s worth every penny,” the news has also sparked significant backlash regarding the disparity between his earnings and those of the athletes.
Critics have pointed out the unfairness, with comments like, “Meanwhile athletes are getting paid [pennies] for a medal and horrible sleeping [arrangements].”
Another user echoed this sentiment, saying, “And athletes are sleeping on grounds.” The staggering amount Snoop Dogg is reportedly earning has left some fans in disbelief, with one exclaiming, “PER DAY?!?!” and another commenting, “Wow! That’s an insane number.”
The debate over athlete compensation extends beyond Snoop Dogg’s earnings. According to CNBC, the United States pays out $38,000 for athletes who win gold, $23,000 for silver, and $15,000 for bronze. In some cases, athletes are also rewarded with additional prizes such as cars and apartments from private companies and governments.
A point of contention among fans is the fact that U.S. gymnasts competing in the trials do not get paid, unlike other professional athletes. Additionally, U.S. athletes do not receive money for simply participating in the Olympics, although medal winners do get prize money.
The disparity between Snoop Dogg’s earnings and the compensation received by Olympic athletes has fueled an ongoing debate about fairness and the value placed on entertainment versus athletic achievement.
