There might not be a bigger fan of the United States water polo team than Flavor Flav.
Yes, the famous rapper and member of Public Enemy will be poolside cheering on the men's and women's water polo teams at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
It's an odd connection that even Michaela Spector, USA water polo's director of marketing, said was "unexpected." Nonetheless, the two sides inked a deal, forming an official partnership ahead of the Summer Games in Paris.
Here's all you need to know about the Flavor Flav-USA water polo connection.
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Flavor Flav, USA Water Polo relationship, explained
Flavor Flav signed a five-year deal to be the United States' water polo "hype man."
That's correct, the men's and women's water polo teams will have their own hype man for the next five years. Flavor Flav made an undisclosed donation to the team as part of the deal. The announcement came on July 1, 2024, with the Olympics happening later in the month.
"Flavor Flav's star power and passion for supporting athletes will bring a new level of excitement and visibility to water polo," Spector said. "We are thrilled to welcome him to the USA Water Polo family."
The connection between the two parties began on Instagram under Maggie Steffens' post on May 4, 2024. Steffens highlighted her teammates in the caption while also addressing the financial issues that the team faces.
Flavor Flav commented on the post, providing a "Flavor Flav promise" to sponsor the team.
Besides providing his energy and passion on the sidelines, the famous rapper will make multiple appearances at USA water polo events each year under contract. He will also be involved in the teams' social media campaigns to promote the team.
It's all designed to increase the popularity and coverage of the sport that is mostly unpopular outside of the Olympics.
"Supporting USA Water Polo teams is an honor," Flavor Flav said. "As a girl dad and a champion of all sports, I'm excited to bring my energy and voice to this incredible sport. Niche sports often don't get the spotlight they deserve, but they are packed with incredible talent and heart."
Flavor Flav will be under contract for the 2024 and 2028 Olympics, but the water polo teams participate in more than those two Summer Games. The teams aren't dormant for the years in between competitions. They still have other tournaments to attend in that period.
This will be the first time the 65-year-old will be at the Olympics in person.
"I’m so hype right now about this sport," Flav said "I wish I was playing it. I’m hyping myself up right now to ask them to let me on the team."
