LeBron James, now a seasoned Olympian, vividly recalls his uncertainty about the opening ceremony when he was first selected for the Olympics in 2004. This time, he’s not just a participant but a key figure in the grand event.
James has been elected by his fellow U.S. Olympians to serve as the male flagbearer for Team USA in Friday night’s opening ceremony of the Paris Games. He becomes the third basketball player — and the first male player — to carry the U.S. flag at the Olympics, following Dawn Staley in 2004 and Sue Bird in 2021.
“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 expressed. “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, 39, received the news in London on Monday, just hours before the U.S. men’s team was set to play its final pre-Olympics exhibition game against World Cup champion Germany. Fellow U.S. star and first-time Olympian Stephen Curry, on behalf of the U.S. men’s team, nominated James for the flagbearer role.
“We understand how much of an honor it is to be in that position, and I think Bron’s entire career, on and off the court, speaks for itself as him being worthy of that honor,” Curry said in the nomination video. “He has represented what it means to be excellent both on and off the court. His commitment to service and uplifting the community in all ways that he knows how has been a lifelong passion. And the work speaks for itself.”
The female U.S. flagbearer is expected to be revealed Tuesday. In 2020, the International Olympic Committee decided that national delegations would have two flagbearers — one male, one female — at the opening ceremony to promote gender parity. The U.S. is expected to have nearly 600 athletes in the Paris Games, with about 53% of them being female.
“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,” said U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland.
James, a global icon, a four-time NBA champion, and the league’s all-time leading scorer, is set to play in his fourth Olympics. He previously competed in 2004, winning bronze, and then secured gold medals in 2008 and 2012. He participated in the opening ceremonies of his three prior Olympic appearances.
This time, the ceremony will be unique. Thousands of athletes will sail along the River Seine at sunset toward the Eiffel Tower on a 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) route, with about 320,000 spectators watching from the riverbank and an estimated 1 billion viewers tuning in worldwide.
Not all Olympic athletes attend the opening ceremony due to logistical reasons, such as competing the following day. James and the four-time defending gold medalist U.S. men’s basketball team don’t start their Olympic campaign until Sunday, when they face Serbia in Lille, France.
The U.S. Olympians will be among the last to sail down the Seine. According to IOC custom, Greece, featuring NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo as one of its flagbearers, will lead the procession, followed by the Refugee Olympic Team and approximately 200 national delegations. The U.S. is scheduled to go next-to-last, as Los Angeles will host the next Summer Games in 2028. France, as the host nation, will conclude the procession, though its men’s basketball team, featuring reigning NBA rookie of the year Victor Wembanyama, isn’t expected to attend the ceremony due to their game on Saturday.