UK Government Announces 10% Funding Increase for LA 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Athletes

The UK government has committed to a 10% increase in financial support for British Olympic and Paralympic athletes for the LA 2028 funding cycle. Chancellor Rachel Reeves pledged a total of £344m for this period in Wednesday’s Budget. The Treasury stated this includes “£9m a year extra to support hundreds of talented athletes across the country as they go for gold at the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.” This announcement follows Team GB’s performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where they secured 14 gold, 22 silver, and 29 bronze medals. This funding commitment comes after the British Elite Athlete Association (BEAA) released a survey last week, which indicated that 64% of 189 athletes questioned would consider ending their careers if their financial compensation did not improve. Sally Munday, chief executive of UK Sport, described the funding promise as “incredibly welcome” and something that “will make a real difference.” Munday added, “It means that Olympic and Paralympic sports in the UK can deliver more extraordinary sporting moments like we proudly witnessed at the recent Paris Games.” Munday further commented that “Investment into Olympic and Paralympic sport is incredible value for money as it drives economic growth and inspires and unites people and communities across the country.” The allocated funds will also assist British athletes participating in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. UK Sport is expected to announce the detailed funding distribution for individual sports for the LA 2028 cycle in December. Munday confirmed that the investment will enable British athletes to receive “world-class support” as they prepare for the Games in the United States. She elaborated, stating, “This includes enabling investment into some of the best coaches, sports science and medicine in the world. [It will] contribute towards costs of training environments, camps, travel, accommodation, and entry into international competitions outside of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It also enables over 1000 athletes across 50 sports to receive grants to contribute to their living costs.” Additionally, athletes receive funding through National Lottery grants, known as Athlete Performance Awards (APAs), which are designed to allow them to concentrate on their sport. For the Paris 2024 cycle, the maximum APA was £28,000 per year. The BEAA’s estimates suggest that the average athlete’s annual earnings are below £22,500.