Irvine, Calif. (June 24, 2026) – USA Water Polo today announced a renewed three-year partnership with Navy Special Operations, extending one of the organization's most impactful and recognizable relationships through June 2029. The agreement will continue to connect Navy Special Operations with athletes, coaches, families and fans across the country while supporting the growth of water polo at every level of the sport.
The renewed partnership builds on a shared foundation of discipline, teamwork, resilience and leadership, qualities that define both elite water polo athletes and America's most highly trained military professionals.
As part of the agreement, Navy Special Operations will continue as the Premier Partner of the USA Water Polo Junior Olympics, with the event carrying the designation "USA Water Polo Junior Olympics Powered by Navy Special Operations." The partnership also includes national event activations, athlete engagement opportunities, digital and social media integration, dedicated membership communications, broadcast advertising and exclusive military recruiting category rights.
The renewal comes at a transformative time for the sport. With water polo returning to the Olympic spotlight in Los Angeles in 2028 and participation continuing to grow nationwide, USA Water Polo and Navy Special Operations are uniquely positioned to inspire the next generation of leaders both in and out of the pool.
"The partnership between USA Water Polo and Navy Special Operations is about far more than visibility, it is about values," said Jamie Davis, Chief Executive Officer of USA Water Polo. "Every day, our athletes are challenged to lead, adapt, persevere and perform under pressure. Those same characteristics define the men and women who serve our country through Navy Special Operations. We are proud to continue this relationship and provide meaningful opportunities for athletes and families to connect with one of the most elite organizations in the world. On behalf of USA Water Polo, I'd like to thank our brave soldiers for their service."
Through onsite activations, leadership-focused programming and direct engagement with athletes and families, Navy Special Operations will continue to have a visible presence throughout the USA Water Polo ecosystem, helping young athletes better understand the importance of service, teamwork and personal excellence.
"Navy Special Operations is committed to connecting with individuals who possess the drive, determination and character needed to excel in demanding environments," said Rear Adm. James Waters, Commander, Navy Recruiting Command. "The water polo community embodies many of the qualities we value most, and we are excited to continue building relationships with athletes and families across the country through this partnership."
The partnership will also continue to support Navy Special Operations' presence at National Team competitions and other designated USA Water Polo events, providing opportunities to engage directly with some of the nation's most accomplished athletes as they pursue success on the international stage.
As the road to the LA28 Olympic Games accelerates, USA Water Polo and Navy Special Operations will continue working together to elevate the sport, celebrate leadership and inspire future generations to pursue excellence in every arena.
America's Navy
America's Navy is the most technologically advanced, multidimensional warfighting force in the world. With missions on every front – in the air, on land and at sea – the Navy's wide-ranging capabilities around the globe encompass everything from combat to peacekeeping to humanitarian aid. Among the Navy's 400,000 Sailors are the Aviation Rescue Swimmers, Divers, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians, Hospital Corpsmen, SEALs, and Special Warfare Combat Crewmen, who comprise Navy Special Operations. These elite warriors don't just serve — they clear explosives, navigate high-speed combat boats, conduct deep-sea dives, and execute missions behind enemy lines — all with precision, skill, and focus. To learn more, visit www.navy.com/specialoperations.
About USA Water Polo
USA Water Polo, Inc., is the national governing body for water polo in America, overseeing our United States Olympic program as well as 20 championship events annually, such as Junior Olympics and Masters National Championships. With more than 40,000 members, USAWP also is the sanctioning authority for more than 500 member clubs and more than 400 tournaments nationwide. USAWP is committed to the development of the sport throughout the U.S., fostering grass-roots expansion while providing a national system of affiliated clubs, certified coaches, and officials. For more information, visit www.usawaterpolo.org.
