Spoelstra to lead USA Basketball as head coach through 2028 Olympics

Erik Spoelstra is expected to be named head coach of the United States men's national basketball team and will lead the program through the next Olympic cycle, including the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, people familiar with the decision said Thursday. Spoelstra would succeed Steve Kerr, who stepped down from the role after guiding the team to Olympic gold in Paris.

People familiar with the talks said a contract had not yet been finalized, but that Spoelstra is the leading candidate to take over USA Basketball's men's program. If confirmed, he would assume responsibility for assembling and coaching the roster that will compete at next summer's World Cup and then for Team USA's home Olympics in Los Angeles, which are scheduled for July 14 to 30, 2028.

Spoelstra, 54, has been the Miami Heat's head coach since 2008 and is one of the league's longest-tenured coaches. He led Miami to back-to-back NBA championships in 2012 and 2013 and has guided the franchise to multiple conference and Finals appearances. His regular-season and playoff records with the Heat reflect sustained success and have contributed to his reputation for tactical...