Erik Spoelstra, current coach of the Miami Heat, was appointed as the new head coach of the U.S. men's basketball team, a position he will hold until 2028. The announcement was made by Grant Hill, CEO of USA Basketball, and subsequently approved by the federation's Board of Directors.

“It is an incredible honor to be named head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team,” said Spoelstra. “Representing our country and leading world-class athletes in international competition is one of the greatest privileges in sports. I look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence and teamwork that defines USA Basketball.”

An Established Leader in the NBA and International Basketball

Spoelstra’s selection was no coincidence. The Filipino-American coach has a nearly three-decade career with the Miami organization, where he began as video coordinator in 1995 and went on to become one of the most successful coaches of his generation. Since taking over as head coach in 2008, he has guided the Heat to six NBA Finals appearances and two championships (2012 and 2013).

His international experience was also key to his appointment. Spoelstra was part of Steve Kerr's coaching staff as an assistant at the 2023 FIBA ??World Cup, where the United States finished fourth, and won a gold medal as an assistant at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Additionally, in 2021, he led the USA Basketball Select team, tasked with preparing the first team for the Tokyo Games.

Jim Tooley, CEO of USA Basketball, also praised his appointment: “He’s the longest-tenured coach in the NBA, and his knowledge of international basketball positions him perfectly to lead this project.”