Olivia Dunne’s big decision… what’s next? The LSU gymnastics star has plenty of options after winning national title including being a full-time influencer, one final season in Baton Rouge, or going into sports reporting!
Olivia Dunne faces an important life decision. The LSU gymnast has nearly exhausted her collegiate eligibility, while her star power only grows.
As the potential biggest beneficiary of college sports during the era of name, image and likeness, Dunne will continue to rake in the money if she stays at LSU.
The 21-year-old social media sensation could also expand her reach if she no longer falls under the NCAA’s guidelines.
Dunne won’t have to hang up her Tigers leotard because she has an extra year of eligibility due to the coronavirus pandemic, pushing back a potential end to her time on the balance beam until April 2025.
What’s next for Dunne? She has plenty of options, with many external factors influencing where his journey goes.
Dunne celebrates with the national championship trophy after LSU’s victory on Saturday
Dunne said she has already picked out outfits for when Skenes plays for the Pirates
Continue at LSU
Dunne’s current option to become an LSU gymnast is paying off, so why not remain a student-athlete for another year with a net worth of NIL of $3.7 million per year? On3 Sports.
That number will likely increase after LSU’s national championship, in addition to her skyrocketing social media following.
There is some credibility in leaving the sport at the top, as her opportunities to compete as a professional gymnast will be limited, if not non-existent.
Even if Dunne is eager to venture out on her own, taking another 12 months to be protected by the NCAA banner and using that time to pursue more opportunities when she leaves Baton Rouge could be incredibly valuable.
Dunne’s experience also could see her see more time in the Tigers’ starting lineup in a fifth season at LSU.
Being at LSU can be sentimental for Dunne, who met friend Paul Skenes in Baton Rouge when he was a star for the school’s baseball team.
“I have no idea (when his MLB debut will be). I hope soon! I start getting all my merchandise ready. I picked out my outfits,” she told TMZ.
Skenes currently pitches for the Pittsburgh Pirates Triple-A team in Indianapolis and is the No. 3 prospect in baseball. His time in minor league baseball will soon come to an end.
Dunne can stay at LSU and not miss most of Skenes’ games, as Major League Baseball’s Opening Day typically falls in late March or early April.
Dunne has been active on social media throughout her LSU career, posting many photos
Dunne’s influence has gone far beyond gymnastics with her own Times Square billboard
Become a full-time influencer
Dunne has found a way to amass more than 13 million followers on Instagram and TikTok alone while balancing classes and athletics at LSU. What could she do without those restrictions?
Dunne’s post-LSU possibilities are endless, with her brand deals open to larger partnerships.
Although there is no professional gymnastics league, Dunne’s star power is undeniable. She could see a similar gain to Caitlin Clark.
Clark had an NIL with Nike while at Iowa, and recently signed a $28 million partnership with the company.
Expect Dunne to have a similar market value considering her job comes from a college sport with no revenue across the board.
Going out all alone gives Dunne the freedom to do what she wants, and that professional freedom can be invaluable.
Dunne could travel the country with Skenes, or sign dozens more brand deals with companies that didn’t want to participate in NIL.
Dunne’s time in the spotlight was without a consistent starter for the Tigers
Dunne has trained in all four disciplines of female gymnastics over the course of her career
Go to sports coverage
Here’s the dark horse possibility and one that makes a lot of sense for the natural possibilities for Dunne.
Dunne began her broadcast career as a sideline reporter, as the U.S. Olympic Trials, where the likely Simone Biles-led USA Gymnastics will be selected, would be a natural fit for her.
Joining NBC’s coverage of the Paris Olympics, or providing commentary on future NCAA meetings, would generate interest beyond the current college gymnastics fan base.
Dunne is a communications studies major and may have learned a thing or two about television production and broadcasting during her time in the classroom.
Not camera shy at all, Dunne is making her way to staying in gymnastics while also accomplishing all her social media goals, a worthwhile endeavor.
That outing could lead her to pursue other sports, like standing in the booth for one of Skenes’ games.