Many college athletes dive headfirst into NIL partnerships, prioritizing short-term gains over long-term financial planning. However, Jordan Chiles takes a different approach, guided by her father’s advice. While some athletes chase lucrative brand deals without a clear financial strategy—like LSU’s Olivia Dunne, who has secured multiple high-paying endorsements—Chiles understands the importance of financial stability in the fast-growing NIL landscape.

Following her father’s advice, Chiles is taking one step at a time but setting herself up for long-term success. Fathers often act as a shield, offering advice that protects their children from life’s pitfalls. Agree? And in the ever-evolving NIL scale, Olympic medalist Chiles recalls how her father instilled in her the importance of money.

Jordan Chiles isn’t just flipping through the air—she’s flipping the script on financial literacy for young athletes. Talking to the Forbes Senior Writer Jabari Young, a savvy gymnast recalled what her father told her: “My dad taught me to try to figure out a way to where your money is not just sitting in your bank account, but it’s valuing itself.” Chiles gave all the credit for her financial learning to her father, and it seems she is using it well.

To Chiles, financial success isn’t just about stacking paychecks—it’s about understanding how to maximize them. “You value yourself. That’s how I see it. You can go get yourself a bag here; you can go there. How can you do that with your money? Your money is constantly going to elevate, and you could have millions in your bank account,” she stated. Well, it’s great advice, and financial literacy is a must. Especially for a young athlete who can easily get distracted with the amount of fame and money at a young age.

With her impressive performances both at UCLA and on the international stage, Chiles has capitalized on her brand, securing major NIL deals with companies like Bumble, Screen for Type 1, Invisalign, and Gonna Need Milk. These partnerships don’t just reflect her gymnastics prowess but also her ability to make strategic financial decisions influenced by her father’s teachings.

By following her father’s advice, Jordan Chiles is proving that financial success isn’t just about the deals an athlete signs—it’s about how these deals can be proven beneficial for lifelong stability. Rather than chasing quick paychecks, she’s focused on creating a financial strategy that aligns with her long-term goals.

Jordan Chiles is on her way to building an empire

Jordan Chiles is no stranger to defying expectations—whether it’s on the mat or in the world of business. The UCLA gymnast and Olympic medalist is dominating the NIL scene, securing top deals—but for Chiles, it’s about legacy, not just money. And she’s taking notes from some of the best. From her father’s lessons on financial wisdom to drawing inspiration from Serena Williams’s empire, Chiles is laying the foundation for something far bigger than gymnastics.

When it comes to role models for longevity, Chiles is influenced by none other than tennis star Serena Williams. Well, in an interview with Forbes, Chiles stated, “Business-wise, Williams has done so much. She’s now a part owner of Toronto [Tempo].” Just like Williams, who expanded beyond the court into investments, fashion, and entrepreneurship, Chiles is taking deliberate steps toward securing her financial future. And her first move? Writing her own book—a strategic step toward financial literacy and long-term stability.

Her book—“I’m That Girl: Living the Power of My Dreams”—isn’t” just a passion project; it’s a declaration of intent. With her book, the UCLA gymnast’s book is already a bestseller on Amazon. Yep, read it correctly. The signed copy of her book is available for $27.99, and a standard copy can be bought for $25.19.

With NIL earnings surpassing $300,000, Chiles is fully aware of the opportunities at her fingertips, but she’s also mindful of the challenges ahead. Managing wealth, sustaining relevance, and making smart investments are part of the journey she’s embracing. Instead of simply riding the NIL wave, Chiles is positioning herself as a leader—someone who will continue to thrive even after the spotlight on college gymnastics fades. With her father’s wisdom guiding her and Serena Williams’s empire serving as motivation, Jordan Chiles is proving that she’s not just here for the moment—she’s here to build something that lasts.