Olivia “Livvy” Dunne, 21, a gymnast at Louisiana State University (LSU), has made history as the highest-earning female college athlete, thanks to the NCAA’s new “name, image, and likeness” (NIL) rules.

Since the NIL guidelines changed in 2021, Dunne has earned an estimated $9.5 million. Known for her skill in gymnastics and her large social media presence, Dunne has built a brand that reaches millions of followers.

@livvy Sooo excited to be part of the NIL documentary The Money Game. Premieres today on Amazon Prime💜💸 @Prime Video @Sports on Prime ♬ original sound – Olivia Dunne

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Despite receiving her undergraduate degree in the spring, Dunne has chosen to stay at LSU for one more year, aiming to help lead the Lady Tigers to another gymnastics title after winning the NCAA championship in 2023.

However, her plans go beyond gymnastics, as she’s focused on building a long-lasting brand.

“I feel like [Sports Illustrated] is something that can last beyond college,” Dunne said, referring to her debut in the 2023 edition of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

Dunne views this opportunity as part of creating a sustainable brand, stating that her partnership with SI Swim feels more like family than a business deal.

In addition to modeling, Dunne is dedicated to helping the next generation of female athletes capitalize on NIL deals. Through her “Livvy Fund” at LSU, Dunne aims to support and educate female athletes on securing endorsement deals, recognizing the importance of making the most of these opportunities while still in college. “Girls don’t know where to start,” Dunne explained, noting that many women’s sports lack professional leagues after college. “It’s very important to capitalize on your NIL while you’re in college.”

Dunne first gained fame by posting gymnastics routines and tricks on TikTok during the COVID-19 pandemic, quickly amassing a large following.

Her talent and looks have drawn attention from major brands, with her first exclusive NIL deal coming from activewear brand Vuori. Since then, she has secured deals with companies such as American Eagle, Microsoft, and Raising Cane’s, among others.

Her social media reach is vast, with 5.3 million followers on Instagram…

 

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A post shared by Olivia Dunne (@livvydunne)

8.1 million on TikTok…

@livvy Best day ever. Thank you @si.swimsuit for making my dreams come true✨ #siswim ♬ Aces – dkj

…and over 152,000 on X (formerly Twitter), where she recently posted about her relationship with MLB rookie All-Star pitcher Paul Skenes.

pic.twitter.com/pdxyyAGUzm

— Olivia Dunne (@livvydunne) August 28, 2024

Despite the fame and success, Dunne faces challenges, including negative comments and threats. In the LSU docuseries “The Money Game,” which follows her and other athletes navigating the world of NIL, viewers see how Dunne deals with the pressures that come with being a public figure.

In one episode, her boyfriend, Skenes, is shown escorting her out of a meet after a male stranger showed up, prompting LSU to assign her a personal security guard.

Dunne remains grounded, crediting her family and teammates for keeping her focused. “In the money game, I think having trustworthy people around you is big,” she said.

Dunne also emphasized the importance of not settling and always striving for the future, a mindset she holds as she looks forward to her final year at LSU.

As Dunne prepares for the 2025 gymnastics season, she is determined to help LSU secure a second consecutive NCAA championship.

Her love for the sport, reignited last year, was a key reason for her return. “Winning the championship was so exciting for not only our team but the whole university. And that’s a feeling that I want to feel again,” she said.