LSU stars Olivia Dunne and Angel Reese shine on Sports Illustrated 'Money Issue' cover, discuss impact of 7-figure NIL deals
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA: LSU student-athletes Olivia Dunne and Angel Reese have recently gained prominence in the realm of college sports due to their active involvement in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) endorsement deals.
Their insights on this matter were featured in an interview for Sports Illustrated's October edition, aptly titled 'The Money Issue,' shedding light on the motivations driving their pursuit of the spotlight.
Though the interview did not delve into the specific financial details of their individual endorsements, Reese and Dunne provided valuable perspectives regarding their reasons for enthusiastically embracing NIL opportunities.
Livvy Dunne and Angel Reese, both formidable student-athletes representing LSU, have not only excelled in their respective sports but have also embarked on second careers as models.
Their remarkable journeys have led them to prestigious platforms, including their appearances in the highly coveted 2023 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Livvy Dunne, who boasts an impressive following of 7.8 million on TikTok and 4.4 million on Instagram, and Angel Reese, with 2.5 million followers on TikTok and 2.5 million on Instagram, have become influential figures not only in the sports world but also within the realm of social media.
In the realm of NIL rankings, Olivia Dunne currently holds the third position according to On3, trailing only behind Bronny James and Shedeur Sanders, with a valuation estimated at $3.1 million.
Meanwhile, Angel Reese secured the eighth spot with an estimated valuation of $1.7 million.
Livvy Dunne: Advocating for Women in Sports Beyond the NCAA
Livvy Dunne, who enjoys a full athletic scholarship at LSU, has emerged as a significant social media influencer within the sports realm, boasting an impressive following on Instagram.
Dunne's rising influence has reached a point where she has opted not to attend in-person classes, citing "safety concerns."
In a noteworthy move, she announced the establishment of the Livvy Fund in July, aimed at assisting fellow female student-athletes at LSU in securing NIL endorsement deals, demonstrating her commitment to empowering her peers.
Dunne has managed to establish a brand that transcends NCAA gymnastics, setting herself apart in an arena where female athletes often struggle to gain recognition, even when they transition to the professional sphere.
"There's definitely an underlying problem, which is that the money needs to go to support women's sports because there's not many [lucrative] professional leagues for women's sports after college," Dunne said.
Angel Reese: Building her brand and eyeing WNBA Success
(Angel Reese/Facebook)
Angel Reese, another standout LSU student-athlete, has also navigated the world of NIL endorsements, contributing to the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.
Together, Reese and Dunne exemplify the multifaceted impact of NIL deals, not only on individual athletes but also on the broader collegiate sports community.
Angel Reese, the rising star who gained prominence for her spirited performance and post-game comments during the Lady Tigers' national championship win against Iowa, echoes the sentiments expressed by Livvy Dunne regarding the challenges and opportunities facing female athletes, particularly in the context of the WNBA.
In discussing her aspirations and approach to her career, Reese candidly acknowledged the financial realities of the WNBA, emphasizing that the league doesn't generate the same level of revenue.
She said, "I've done so many photo shoots. I've done so many commercials. Being able to pitch those things with the team I have now is going to help me when I graduate and decide to go to the WNBA."
As she approaches her senior season at LSU, following two years at the University of Maryland, Reese is making the most of the extended eligibility offered by the NCAA due to Covid-related rules.
This extra year allows her to further refine her skills and prepare for the 2024 WNBA Draft, where she hopes to make a significant impact.