Kaylah Walton
Since 2021, college athletes have been able to benefit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The influence of student-athletes in their respective communities has always been significant, particularly in the cities where their universities are situated. But with the advent of social media, many of these athletes have gained nationwide fame. Olivia Dunne, an LSU gymnast and part of the team that currently holds the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championship title, exemplifies this trend. Beyond her looks, Dunne is a top-tier athlete who relies on her performance to make a statement.
Dunne’s Profits from NIL
Olivia Dunne, a gymnast at LSU, stands out as one of the highest-earning athletes in terms of NIL across both men’s and women’s sports. She holds the distinction of being the highest-earning woman in the history of NIL, valued at $3.9 million, as reported by ON3NIL. Only Shedeur Sanders, the quarterback and son of Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders, surpasses her nationally with a valuation of $4.8 million. In a recent TikTok video, Dunne humorously showcased the perks of being an athlete of her caliber by portraying herself leaving school in a fancy private jet. The caption read, “POV: me leaving school after any minor inconvenience.”
Even though the jet isn’t hers and is actually provided by a company for promotional or sponsored purposes, the extravagant lifestyle of these athletes remains a desirable aspiration for many. This undoubtedly serves as motivation for young athletes in middle or high school to strive for excellence, hoping to enjoy similar benefits in college. While the inception of NIL in 2021 has sparked concerns among certain universities regarding compensating student-athletes. There’s a fear that granting such financial freedom before graduating might result in them deciding to leave school prematurely or not finishing their degrees.
Dunne’s Future Endeavors
Olivia Dunne, who has also worked as a model for Sports Illustrated, is gearing up for her fifth and final season of collegiate gymnastics at LSU. With LSU currently holding the NCAA Championship title, Dunne’s return raises hopes for another championship victory, potentially solidifying her status as one of the finest in NCAA gymnastics history. She has also been seen supporting her partner, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, who is making waves in the MLB with a notable record of 9-2 and 142 strikeouts.
