Team USA Facing Intense Backlash Amid $15 Million Olympic Decision

USA Basketball's 12-man contingent competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics is arguably the most popular team across the Summer Games. To a certain extent, the same can be said about the U.S. women's national basketball team, who like their male counterparts, also boast a roster packed with the biggest stars in the sport.

This fame comes with a considerably steep price. According to a report by Justin Birnbaum of Forbes Australia, this comes out to a whopping $15 million.

In a recently published article, Birnbaum exposes the cost of housing Team USA, who apparently, have refused to stay in the Olympic Village in Paris along with the thousands of other international athletes in the Games.

Both the men's and the women's teams, as well as their families, team staff and personnel, and executives are reportedly staying in an undisclosed hotel outside of Paris. Per Birnbaum, "between USA Basketball’s outlay and other resources provided by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the State Department, Forbes estimates it cost $15 million to send the American basketball squads to the Olympics."

The report also includes a statement from USA Fencing boss Phil Andrews indicating that the cost to send 20 fencers to the Paris Olympics does not exceed $400,000.

This vital piece of information has spread like wildfire on social media, and unsurprisingly, more than a few fans have expressed their displeasure.

"Astounding arrogance," said a fan.

"We are all equal. Yet some are more equal than others🥷🏽" read a comment.

"Unfortunately, money has only made them arrogant. It is an exemplary example of how their arrogance alienates them from people," remarked a reader.

"Waste of money if you ask me. These athletes already make bank, they don't need some fancy hotel. They're there to compete, not live large. But hey, I guess it's a small price to pay for the prestige of being part of Team USA," argued another.

"What a losers! The Olympic village is the best part of the Olympic," surmised a fan.

It's safe to say that the majority of fans -- Americans or otherwise -- are not entirely pleased with this revelation.

For what it's worth, both the men's and women's teams have gone undefeated in each of their two games thus far. Both squads are the heavy favorites to go all the way and win the gold medal for the United States.

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