Kyrie Irving is actively working through the eligibility process to represent Australia in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The Dallas Mavericks guard, who won gold with Team USA in 2016, confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding his potential switch.
“Man, we’re in the process of that right now, just trying to figure out the best route for me to be eligible,” Irving said, per Grant Afseth of AthlonSports. “There’s a lot of paperwork involved. Obviously, USA still has a decision to make, but for me, I’m just trying to do what’s best.”
Born in Melbourne while his father played professional basketball in Australia, Irving holds dual citizenship, giving him a path to compete for the Boomers. However, he must obtain clearance from both USA Basketball and FIBA before officially making the switch.
Irving’s consideration follows his omission from the Team USA roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics, despite expressing interest in joining the squad.
At 36 in 2028, Irving would face increasing competition from younger American talent, making Australia a viable alternative if he wishes to extend his Olympic career. The Boomers, who have never won Olympic gold, could benefit from the veteran guard’s experience and scoring ability.
This is not the first time Irving has been linked to the Australian national team. In 2012, he declined an opportunity to play for the Boomers, instead choosing to pursue a spot on Team USA, which later led to a FIBA World Cup MVP honor in 2014 and Olympic gold in 2016.
During the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Irving helped lead Team USA to a gold medal while averaging 12.1 points and 3.6 assists. He was named the tournament’s MVP and later earned recognition as the 2014 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.
Two years later, Irving played a key role in securing another gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics. His win placed him in an elite group of players—including LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Scottie Pippen—who have won both an NBA title and Olympic gold in the same year.
Now in his 14th NBA season, Irving remains a crucial piece for the Mavericks, averaging 24.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 44 games. His production has kept Dallas in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race.
If successful in switching national teams, Irving would bring a championship pedigree to an Australian squad that finished third in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The addition of an experienced playmaker could elevate their chances of competing for gold in Los Angeles. Australia is currently ranked seventh in FIBA rankings. The Boomers finished sixth in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Neither USA Basketball nor FIBA has provided an official statement regarding Irving’s potential transition. However, with the Olympic cycle still years away, there remains ample time for discussions and decisions to unfold.
As Irving weighs his options, his comments indicate a strong willingness to embrace his Australian roots. “Honestly, if I can be an Aussie at one point in my career and play for the Australian team, that would be great,” he said.
His decision could reshape the international basketball landscape, adding intrigue to Australia’s path to the 2028 Olympics. For now, Irving remains focused on finishing the NBA season, while the process of determining his international future continues.
