A founding member of the influential rap group Public Enemy, Flavor Flav signed a five-year sponsorship deal to become the official "hype man" for the USA Water Polo Women's and Men's National Teams. The landmark agreement brings a fusion of music, entertainment, and sports, all with the aim to elevate the visibility and excitement surrounding water polo in the United States and beyond.

Image Source: Flavor Flav and USA Water Polo at the official announcement on Monday, 1 July 2024 (Jonathan Moore/USA Water Polo)

Flavor Flav's unexpected interest in water polo sparked in May when he responded to a social media post from three-time Olympic gold medallist and World Aquatics Women's Water Polo player of the year Maggie Steffens asking for financial backing. 

"When Flav responded, it was definitely not who I expected," said Steffens.

"But it's a beautiful, beautiful expectation and relationship that has changed," Steffens added.  "He's really opened many doors and truly been a hype man for us."

 As part of this sponsorship, USA Water Polo announced on Monday that Flavor Flav will financially contribute to the 2024 USA Women's Water Polo Olympic Team, "demonstrating his commitment to supporting these elite athletes as they strive for Olympic gold in Paris."

The USA women's water polo team enters the Paris 2024 Games as the three-time defending Olympic champions and the reigning World Championship titleholders.

Image Source: Gold medallists Team United States pose with their medals during the Women's Gold Medal match against Spain at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games (Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images)

Flavor Flav's role as an official hype man includes annual appearances at USA Water Polo events, bringing his signature energy and enthusiasm to the poolside. Look for the partnership to feature extensive social media collaboration, leveraging Flav's influential presence to amplify the sport's reach and engage new audiences.

"I realize how unexpected this partnership is," said Michaela Spector, Director of Marketing at USA Water Polo. "Flavor Flav's star power and passion for supporting athletes will bring a new level of excitement and visibility to water polo. We are thrilled to welcome him to the USA Water Polo family."

Image Source: Candice Ward/Getty Images

Born William Jonathan Drayton Jr., Flavor Flav is renowned for his dynamic persona and contributions to the music industry. Hailing from Long Island, New York, Flav co-founded the rap group Public Enemy with Chuck D. The group hit a cord with audiences as its dense, layered sound paired with gritty lyrics garnered headlines and critical acclaim, helping propel rap music into the mainstream. Public Enemy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.

"Supporting USA Water Polo teams is an honour," said Flavor Flav. "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. Together, we're going to make some serious waves!"

Parting Shot