Snoop Dogg may want to brush up on his Italian, as the iconic West Coast rapper is officially headed to Milan. On Thursday (Dec. 11), the legendary entertainer announced that he has been selected as the first-ever honorary coach for Team USA at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games, marking a historic and unexpected crossover between hip-hop culture and global sports.

Sharing the news on his LinkedIn profile, Snoop reflected on his growing connection with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. “From the moment I rolled into Paris, I was instantly welcomed into the USOPC family,” he wrote. “I felt the energy, the pride, and the love of sport that makes this team special.” He went on to praise both the staff and the athletes, highlighting how their dedication and passion left a lasting impression on him from day one.

The multi-talented artist—who has built a career spanning music, television, business, and sports commentary—explained that his new role goes far beyond ceremonial duties. “I’m jumping in as Team USA’s first honorary coach, a role that’s all about celebrating and supporting athletes beyond what fans see on the field of play,” Snoop shared. He emphasized that his mission is to motivate athletes, spotlight their full journeys, and uplift the teams and families who help turn Olympic dreams into reality. “I’m here to bring my voice, my heart, and maybe a little wisdom from the sidelines,” he added.

As part of his first official initiative, Snoop is giving back directly to Team USA through the Team USA x Coach Snoop capsule collection, created in partnership with Fanatics. The limited-edition merchandise line is set to launch later this month, with all proceeds benefiting Team USA, further reinforcing his commitment to supporting athletes both on and off the ice.

This isn’t Snoop Dogg’s first appearance on the Olympic stage. During the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, he became a fan favorite while serving as a special correspondent, delivering commentary that blended humor, cultural insight, and genuine enthusiasm for the competition. His presence brought a fresh and authentic perspective that resonated with viewers worldwide. In addition, Snoop had the honor of serving as a torchbearer ahead of the Opening Ceremony, a symbolic role that underscored his growing relationship with the Olympic movement.

At 54 years old, Snoop will be pulling double duty in Northern Italy. Alongside his honorary coaching role, he is set to return as an on-air contributor for NBC’s coverage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. His responsibilities will include exploring Italy’s iconic landmarks, immersing himself in local culture, and hosting a recurring “Snoop’s Greatest Hits” segment, where he will highlight standout moments from the Games and spotlight his favorite athletes.

“I am excited to be back with my main man Mike Tirico for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina,” Snoop said in a statement released in September. “The D-O-double-G will be on the scene, and I’m looking forward to celebrating with the athletes and their families.” He added that the Olympics represent the biggest stage in the world, perfectly aligning with his passion for sports, unity, and entertainment. True to his signature style, Snoop also promised to bring the fashion, joking that he’ll be fully equipped with puffy jackets, snow pants, goggles, skates, and plenty of icy flair.

The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games officially kick off with the Opening Ceremony on February 6, airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock. With Snoop Dogg involved both behind the scenes and in front of the camera, fans can expect a Winter Olympics experience that’s not only competitive, but also culturally vibrant and uniquely entertaining.