LeBron James , the basketball star of the US team , was chosen by his teammates to be the US men’s flag bearer for the opening ceremony. This is the first time a male basketball player has been given this honor, previously only two female players, Dawn Staley (Athens 2004) and Sue Bird (Tokyo 2021) have been chosen.

“It is a great honor to represent America on this global stage,” he said. “This responsibility means so much to me, my family, my kids back home, my teammates, and so many people across the country.”

NBA star and Olympic debutant Stephen Curry nominated James for the role on behalf of Team USA. “We appreciate this honor and Bron’s entire career, both on and off the court, has proven that he is worthy of this honor,” Curry said. “His dedication to the community and the work he does speaks for itself.”

James has participated in the Olympics three times before and brought home two gold medals (Beijing 2008 and London 2012) and a bronze medal (Athens 2004). Each time he participated, James left a strong impression and affirmed his position in the world basketball village.

The Paris Olympics opening ceremony will take place on the Seine River, with thousands of athletes parading in boats past the Eiffel Tower. It will be a unique and unprecedented opening ceremony in Olympic history. The parade route is 6 km long and about 320,000 guests are expected to watch from both banks of the river, with Olympic officials estimating that it will be watched on television around the world.

James and the four-time defending champions of the U.S. men’s basketball team begin play on Sunday against Serbia in Lille, France.

Being chosen to carry the flag for Team USA is a huge honor for James. “Being chosen by his teammates to carry the flag is a huge honor and a testament to LeBron’s passion for Team USA and his dedication to the sport,” said Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

James, a global icon, four-time NBA champion and leading scorer in league history, will enter his 22nd NBA season.

The US team is expected to parade last, before host France closes the ceremony.

The US men’s basketball team, led by James and other stars, not only aims to defend the championship but also carries the pride and responsibility of representing the country on the biggest stage on the planet.