Official Announcement! Spoelstra Appointed Head Coach of USA Men’s Basketball Team to Lead at World Cup and Olympics

On October 15th, Beijing time, USA Men’s Basketball officially announced that Erik Spoelstra has been appointed head coach of the USA Men’s National Team, with a term lasting until 2028. The Miami Heat coach was selected by USA Basketball National Team General Manager Grant Hill and has received approval from the USA Basketball Board of Directors.

In addition to winning the 2024 Paris Olympic gold medal as an assistant coach, Spoelstra also served as assistant coach to Steve Kerr during the 2023 FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup, where the USA team finished fourth; in 2021, he was head coach of the USA Men’s Select Team, which trained alongside the national team before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“Being named head coach of the USA Men’s National Team is a tremendous honor for me,” Spoelstra said. “Representing my country and leading world-class athletes in top-tier competitions is one of the most valuable opportunities in sports. I look forward to continuing the proud tradition and team spirit that define USA Basketball.”

Spoelstra will lead the USA Men’s Basketball team at the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Doha, Qatar, and at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Additionally, prior to these major events, he will oversee training camps and coaching duties for USA Basketball showcase games.

“I have known Erik Spoelstra for nearly 20 years, and through our collaboration with USA Basketball, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of him,” Hill said. “Erik is not only an outstanding coach but also a great colleague, close friend, and father. These qualities make him the perfect choice to continue the USA Men’s National Team coaching legacy through 2028.”

“Erik Spoelstra is one of the most respected coaches in basketball,” said USA Basketball CEO Jim Tooley. “As the longest-tenured active coach with the same NBA team, combined with his recent roles within USA Basketball, he is fully capable of leading the USA Men’s Team at the 2027 FIBA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.”

Earlier this month, Spoelstra began his 18th season coaching the Miami Heat, making him the longest-serving active coach with one team in the NBA. He led the Heat to NBA championships in 2012 and 2013 and has appeared in the NBA Finals six times (most recently in 2023). He joined the Heat in 1995 as a video coordinator and later served as an assistant coach when the team won the 2006 NBA title.

“On behalf of the USA Basketball Board of Directors, I welcome Erik Spoelstra as head coach of the USA Men’s National Team,” said USA Basketball Chairman and retired General Martin Dempsey. “Erik has proven his championship capability both in the NBA and international competitions, and he is a highly talented leader. We appreciate his willingness to take on this challenge for USA Basketball and the nation.”

Spoelstra played college basketball at the University of Portland and, before moving to Miami, also played and coached in Germany.

The USA Men’s National Team has won 17 Olympic gold medals, including five consecutive titles from 2008 to 2024, and has claimed five World Cup championships, the most recent being in 2014.

Spoelstra’s appointment still requires approval from the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Further staff appointments related to the future activities of the USA Men’s National Team will be announced in due course.