As they wade through the tricky cardboard beds and non-air-conditioned rooms in the heat of Europe, the USA basketball men’s national team has a special someone to lift their spirits. It was a message coming straight from the founder of Omaha Productions. NFL legend Peyton Manning had stopped by to share a good handshake, a good laugh, and lots of good wishes ahead of their first game on July 28 with the team. On Instagram, Manning posted a picture with the top stars of the men’s team, captioning it as, “Good luck to @usabasketball in the Paris @olympics.”

In the pictures, Manning met and greeted LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and other squad members during their Saturday practice. His son, Marshall Williams also accompanied Manning. However, handshakes and wishes were not the only things on Manning’s plate on his trip to Paris. The Omaha founder was also Productions entrusted with covering NBA’s live coverage on Friday’s opening ceremonies alongside Kelly Clarkson and Mike Tirico.

Now, all eyes will be on Team USA men’s basketball’s first game against Serbia at 11:15 ET. What makes this season entirely more special for LeBron James’ fans is his appearance in the Olympics after almost 12 years. He last appeared in the 2012 Olympics.

This would also be Stephen Curry’s first Olympic appearance, further solidifying their roster. When Curry last represented Team USA in the 2014 FIBA World Cup, they emerged as the champions. With the much-hyped 2024 Paris Olympics at stake, fans can only imagine the magic James and Curry would look forward to the unveiling, especially since Team USA has received so many boosts besides the one from Peyton Manning.

Beyonce, Lady Gaga, and Celine Dion lift the spirits of Team USA

Beyonce surprised the 28.6 million viewers at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. Clad in an American flag-themed body suit paired perfectly with a cowboy hat, Beyonce remixed her single YA YA from her Cowboy Carter album to introduce Team USA during NBCUniversal’s prime-time coverage of the opening ceremony.

Donning the finest Ralph Lauren, Team USA garnered all the applause they deserved from the viewers as Beyonce proudly said, “Get a look at America, y’all.”

“These hopes and dreams, these superstars that represent us. America, give it up for Team USA, the very best of who we are.” Along with Queen Bey, Lady Gaga and Celine Dion also put up a fine show on the star-studded evening on the Seine riverbank.