July 22, 2024, PARIS – The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee has announced that LeBron James will serve as the male flag bearer for Team USA at the Opening Ceremony. The three-time Olympian is set to participate in his fourth Olympic Games and will lead the team during the ceremony, which is scheduled for this Friday at 7:30 PM local time in Paris (1:30 PM EDT), with a live broadcast on NBC.
“It’s an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together,” James said. “For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only myself, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians and so many people across the country with big aspirations. Sports have the power to bring us all together, and I’m proud to be a part of this important moment.”
James, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in 2008 and 2012, began his Olympic journey in 2004, securing a bronze medal with Team USA at the age of 19. A 20-time NBA All-Star, he ascended to the NBA's all-time scoring leader in 2023, boasts four NBA championships, and has earned the NBA MVP title four times. His next competition is set for July 28 against Serbia.
"We are thrilled to announce LeBron James as one of two flag bearers who will lead Team USA in the Opening Ceremony, and officially open the Paris 2024 Games,” said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland. “Being selected by your teammates to carry the flag is a tremendous honor – and a testament to LeBron’s passion for Team USA and his dedication to his sport. We will watch with great pride as the flag bearers lead our athletes who are about to embark on a remarkable journey together."
James has made history as the first male and the third individual from USA Basketball to be bestowed with the honor of Team USA flag bearer. He joins the ranks of five-time Olympic champion Sue Bird (2020) and Dawn Staley (2004), a five-time Olympic gold medalist as both player and coach, as the only basketball player to receive this distinction.
The U.S. delegation is set to appear on the penultimate boat during the Parade of Nations along the Seine River. The sequence is determined by the United States' role as the host nation for the forthcoming 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The host nation, France, will have the honor of concluding the parade.
Make sure to explore additional Olympic game highlights provided by Chris and Will, available through their website's media coverage section and on their iHeartRadio Podcast, "What About Our Life?".
U.S. Olympic Team Flag Bearers – Opening Ceremony (summer only)
1908 Ralph Rose, Track and Field
1912 George Bonhag, Track and Field
1920 Patrick McDonald, Track and Field
1924 Patrick McDonald, Track and Field
1928 Lemuel (Bud) Houser, Track and Field
1932 F. Morgan Taylor, Track and Field
1936 Alfred Jochim, Gymnastics
1948 Ralph Craig, Yachting
1952 Norman Armitage, Fencing
1956 Norman Armitage, Fencing
Warren Wooford, Equestrian*
1960 Rafer Johnson, Track and Field
1964 William Parry O’Brien, Track and Field
1968 Janice Lee Romary, Fencing
1972 Olga Fikotova Connolly, Track and Field
1976 Gary Hall, Swimming
1980 U.S. did not attend
1984 Edward Burke, Track and Field
1988 Evelyn Ashford, Track and Field
1992 Francie Larrieu Smith, Track and Field
1996 Bruce Baumgartner, Wrestling
2000 Cliff Meidl, Canoe/Kayak
2004 Dawn Staley, Basketball
2008 Lopez Lomong, Track and Field
2012 Mariel Zagunis, Fencing
2016 Michael Phelps, Swimming
2020 Eddy Alvarez, Baseball
Sue Bird, Basketball
2024 LeBron James, Basketball