Olivia Dunne's popularity skyrockets at LSU as she stands firm against critics: 'Worked for everything I’ve earned'
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA: Olivia Dunne, the accomplished LSU gymnast, is entering her senior season as one of the most financially successful athletes in the realm of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals.
Her remarkable achievements have propelled her to the top of the list among female athletes with the highest NIL valuation, a distinction she holds, according to On3 Sports. Dunne's valuation stands at an impressive $3.2 million, securing her place as the third-ranked athlete overall.
Dunne's ascent to the pinnacle of NIL's success has been driven by her substantial following across multiple social media platforms and her relentless dedication to her craft.
However, she is quick to emphasize that every accolade and opportunity she has received is the result of her unwavering hard work.
Olivia Dunne responds to critics amid growing popularity
In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Dunne candidly addressed the misconceptions surrounding her accomplishments, stating, "People definitely discredit what I do. People need to understand that I've worked for everything I've earned."
She added, "I've spent years building an audience, and brands pay me for what they believe is worth the reach of the demographic that I offer."
Dunne's commitment to giving back is equally noteworthy. She recognizes the importance of using her platform to support her fellow LSU athletes, which led to the creation of the Livvy Fund in partnership with Bayou Traditions.
The Livvy Fund, launched in July, serves as the official organization for NIL opportunities for Tigers student-athletes, providing them with the means to capitalize on their NIL potential.
"Me being at the forefront, the most important thing for me was to give back," she said.
Acknowledging the challenges that female athletes face in terms of professional opportunities post-college, Dunne emphasizes the significance of women taking advantage of NIL opportunities during their collegiate years.
She underscores the importance of redirecting funds toward women's sports to foster growth and support female athletes, all while advocating for a more equitable future in the world of sports.
"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," she told the magazine.
She continued, "So, it’s really important that women can capitalize on it now while they’re in college."
Olivia Dunne strikes record-breaking NIL deal to bolster ‘The Livvy Fund’
The LSU Tiger athlete has masterfully leveraged her exceptional abilities both inside and outside the gym, harnessing her popularity and social media presence to amass an astounding $3.2 million in NIL earnings.
What sets Dunne apart is her commitment to making a difference beyond the arena. She has strategically utilized the proceeds from her NIL deals to finance 'The Livvy Fund,' her foundation aimed at promoting causes close to her heart.
While Dunne boasts a roster of impressive NIL partnerships with brands such as American Eagle, Body Armor, and Motorola, her latest collaboration with Leaf Trading Cards stands out as a beacon of generosity.
This exclusive partnership promises to further bolster her foundation's financial resources.
Leaf Trading Cards, recognized for producing iconic trading cards, has chosen to immortalize Dunne's remarkable gymnastic achievements on collectible cards, capturing the essence of her illustrious career.
This momentous deal was signed in December, and Leaf Trading Cards released a statement acknowledging Dunne's pioneering role in the gymnastics world.
"Olivia Dunne has proven herself to be a trailblazing figure in the gymnastics realm," the statement read, underscoring the significance of this partnership.
