Snoop Dogg's jaw-dropping daily paycheck for his Olympic gig has ignited a firestorm of reactions, contrasting sharply with the challenges athletes face in the Olympic Village.
Rapper Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., has become an unexpected yet beloved figure at the Olympic Games, donning various costumes, attempting pole vaulting, and cheering from the sidelines.
A user comment dated August 6, 2024 | Source: Instagram/wealth
The 52-year-old is now making headlines not just for his antics, but for the astonishing amount of money he is reportedly earning as an Olympic fan and commentator.
Snoop Dogg on July 28, 2024, in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images
Dogg is officially in Paris working for the US broadcaster NBC, which secured the broadcasting rights until 2032 for an astounding $7.75 billion in 2014.
Sitting alongside commentator Mike Tirico, Dogg entertains viewers with his humorous take on events like fencing and horse riding. He also takes on the role of a reporter, interviewing Olympic legends such as Michael Phelps to learn more about their sports.
Henry McNamara, a prominent young entrepreneur recognized by Forbes and featured in the business magazine's 30 Under 30 List for Venture Capital in 2020, revealed the details of Dogg's lucrative deal on X (formerly Twitter).
During a dinner with NBC executives, a high-ranking official allegedly disclosed that Dogg is receiving $500,000 per day for his time at the Olympics.
This arrangement, covering 16 days, would amount to a staggering $8 million, not including additional fees. Moreover, an NBC employee told BILD, a German tabloid, that Dogg could potentially earn up to $15 million for his involvement in the games, thanks to a TV ratings bonus.
The ratings for the Olympics have soared in the United States, with a 79 percent increase compared to the Tokyo Games. On average, 34 million viewers are tuning in, largely attributed to Dogg's presence.
Snoop Dogg on August 03, 2024, in Versailles, France | Source: Getty Images
NBC producer Molly Solomon, in a pre-games press conference attended by BILD, described Dogg as the "ambassador of happiness."
"We are pleasantly surprised by his popularity," she added, highlighting how Dogg is helping NBC reach a completely new audience.
Fans have had strong reactions to the news. Some support Dogg's hefty paycheck, with one user writing, "He's worth every penny."
However, there has been significant backlash regarding the disparity between Dogg's earnings and those of the athletes. Critics have pointed out the unfairness, with comments such as, "Meanwhile athletes are getting paid [pennies] for a medal and horrible sleeping [arrangements]."
Another user echoed this sentiment, saying, "And athletes are sleeping on grounds." Others expressed shock at the amount, with one user exclaiming, "PER DAY?!?!" Another commented, "Wow! That's an insane number."
Some found humor in the situation, with one user sarcastically noting, "That's why gold medals are only $37k lol."
Snoop Dogg, as seen in a post dated July 30, 2024 | Source: Instagram/snoopdogg
However, there is also a sense of frustration among fans, as one pointed out, "As much as I love Snoop, the fact he's getting paid significantly more than any of the athletes taking part in the Olympics is outrageous."
The debate over athlete compensation extends beyond Dogg's earnings. According to CNBC, the United States pays out $38,000 for their athletes who have finished with gold on the podium thus far. Silver wins earn $23,000, and bronze sits at $15,000.