The 2024 Paris Olympics have become a global spectacle, drawing not only world-class athletes but also some of the world’s wealthiest and most influential individuals. Billionaires such as Bill Gates and luxury goods mogul Bernard Arnault are making waves at the event, each in unique capacities.
Bill Gates Shows Support for Family and Team USA
Bill Gates is a familiar face at the Olympics, but his appearance this year holds special significance. The Microsoft co-founder attended the event to cheer for his son-in-law, Nayel Nassar, who is competing as an equestrian for Egypt. Nassar, married to Gates’s daughter, Jennifer, owns Evergate Stables—a well-known equestrian training center chain in Florida. As one of the elite sports, equestrian events involve substantial expenses, with top horses and care costs reaching into the millions.
Beyond personal ties, Gates’s support for Team USA and his visibility at the Olympics have generated buzz among spectators and fans alike. His attendance highlights the unique allure of the Paris Olympics for high-profile individuals who blend personal passion with national pride.
Bernard Arnault’s Major Investment in the Paris Olympics
Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of LVMH, the world’s largest luxury goods group, took his involvement a step further. LVMH, under Arnault’s leadership, spent $160 million to sponsor the Olympics, reinforcing its brand presence on a global scale. Arnault watched the opening ceremony from an exclusive Louis Vuitton booth on the 10th floor of an iconic Art Deco building in Paris, a prime spot that underscored LVMH’s association with the games.
LVMH’s brands, including Dior, played a prominent role at the opening ceremony. Dior designed costumes for performers at the event, which was broadcast to over a billion viewers worldwide, effectively spotlighting Arnault’s influence in the luxury market. Additionally, the French Olympic team donned outfits designed through a collaboration between Berluti and LVMH, further cementing the group’s visibility on the international stage.
Luxury and Exclusivity: The Super-Rich at the Olympics
Attending the Olympics isn’t just a casual affair for billionaires and celebrities. Maxime Lallement, CEO of Highstay—a luxury apartment rental service in Paris—shared with Business Insider that wealthy spectators are spending up to $100,000 for a week in Paris. This luxurious package includes five-star accommodations, a 24/7 concierge, helicopter tours, private chefs, and extensive security, though it excludes tickets. Opening ceremony seats alone cost as much as $3,000, while high-demand events can reach $1,000 for premium seats.
LeBron James Joins as a Competing Athlete
Not all billionaire attendees are spectators—basketball legend LeBron James took to the court as an athlete, competing for Team USA. Nicknamed “King James,” the 1984-born superstar carried the US flag during the opening ceremony. With over 159 million followers on Instagram, LeBron’s presence both on and off the court has captivated fans, solidifying his status as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
A Spectacle of Wealth and Global Influence
The 2024 Paris Olympics have proven to be a hub for both athletic prowess and the world’s elite. With billionaires like Bill Gates supporting loved ones, and Bernard Arnault leveraging the Olympics to boost LVMH’s global reputation, the games exemplify how high-profile individuals use this stage to combine personal, financial, and national interests.
