Victory tastes sweet, but for the US women's hockey team, the celebration is taking an unexpected and glamorous turn. After capturing the gold medal at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games with a thrilling 2-1 win over rival Canada, the champions are trading a traditional White House visit for a Las Vegas blowout hosted by none other than hip-hop icon Flavor Flav.
A Presidential Jab and a Polite Decline
The team's path to this alternative celebration began with controversy. During a phone call with the US men's hockey team, President Donald Trump made a quip about inviting the women's squad, suggesting he "probably would be impeached" for doing so. While an official invitation was later extended, the team respectfully declined, citing scheduling conflicts with academic and professional commitments in the aftermath of the Games.
"We are sincerely grateful for the invitation... and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement," the team stated. "Due to the timing and previously scheduled commitments... the athletes are unable to participate."
Flavor Flav to the Rescue
Enter Flavor Flav, the clock-wearing Public Enemy legend, who saw an opportunity to right what he perceived as a wrong. Taking to social media, he extended an invitation for a "real celebration" in Las Vegas. His team followed up with a formal offer, writing, "We saw the story about the men's invite to the White House, and the not quite invite for the women's team... If there is an interest for the team to come to Las Vegas and celebrate with Flav – we will figure it out on our end."
The team didn't hesitate. According to reports, the players accepted the offer independently, without input from USA Hockey, though it's unclear if all 23 roster members can attend due to potential schedule clashes.
Vegas-Scale Celebration for All Champions
This isn't just a small get-together. Flavor Flav has partnered with MGM Resorts to create a massive, multi-day event from July 16-19. In a follow-up post, Flav emphasized the scale, shouting out MGM for providing "100+ rooms" and offering "food and hospitality, spa, ground, event space, after parties, and to host the parade and party for the PUBLIC to celebrate our women for FREE."
Most notably, the rapper expanded the guest list. His celebration isn't just for the hockey team; he's inviting all American women who earned medals at the Winter Games, including athletes from USABS (USA Bobsled & Skeleton).
"When I said I wanted to include ALL women who earned medals from the winter games + USABS,,, they didn't hesitate and stepped up to be REAL partners," Flav wrote, highlighting the inclusive nature of the festivities.
A New Kind of Victory Lap
This story marks a fascinating shift in how championship teams are celebrated. The traditional White House visit, a staple for decades, is being reimagined. For these athletes, their golden moment will be commemorated not in the halls of political power, but on the vibrant Strip of Las Vegas, fueled by the enthusiastic support of a music legend and a major resort.
While a future White House visit remains a possibility, for now, the focus is squarely on Las Vegas. The US women's hockey team, along with their fellow female medalists, are poised for a victory party unlike any other—a testament to their achievement and a celebration entirely on their own terms.
