What does it take to lead Team USA on the world’s biggest stage? 

Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee is here to pull back the curtain on the high-stakes world of Olympic leadership — where sports, politics, and global competition collide.

With her deep experience in sports business and governance, she and David discuss the high-stakes decisions behind resource allocation, how Team USA prepares for global competition, and what the future holds as the Olympics return to U.S. soil in 2028.

Sarah also reveals behind-the-scenes details from the Paris Games, the challenges and opportunities of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, and why the 2028 Olympics will be a historic moment for the country. 

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The politics of sports, and why Sarah’s role is as much about international diplomacy as it is about athletics
• How the LA fires have impacted the planning process for the 2028 Olympics and what makes Los Angeles uniquely positioned to redefine the Olympic experience
• How Team USA decides where to allocate resources and why medal potential drives investment
• What the success of the Paris Olympics means for the future, and how Milan-Cortina is shaping up as the next great Winter Games
• How Team USA is evolving its approach to mental health and athlete support

Resources and Links:

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn and learn more about Team USA and the upcoming Olympic Games.

Learn more about Next League on our website and LinkedIn. We are leading sports organizations into the digital future.

Next League is partnering with Sports Business Journal for the Rising Woman of the Year Award. Nominations are now open! Learn more here.