Pau Gasol Appointed Chair of IOC Athletes’ Commission
pau-gasol-appointed-ioc-athletes-commission-chair
Former Los Angeles Lakers star Pau Gasol has been selected to head the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission, the IOC confirmed on February 20, 2026.
The five-time Olympian and three-time Olympic medalist succeeds outgoing chair Emma Terho and will guide the commission as it prepares for the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games. The group acts as the primary liaison between Olympic athletes and IOC leadership, advocating for competitors’ interests during and after their sporting careers.
Gasol, 46, responded to the appointment on social media, calling the role “an honor and an opportunity” and pledging to work “on behalf of the athletes.”
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023, the Spaniard won two NBA championships with the Lakers and had his No. 16 jersey retired at Crypto.com Arena in 2024. Away from the court, he has long been involved in athlete welfare and international sports governance.
In addition to his new IOC responsibilities, Gasol is reportedly being considered for a senior position in the NBA’s planned European expansion, though no formal decision has been announced.
Source: Lakers Nation
