If there’s one word to describe Olivia Dunne, it would have to be iconic. The 22-year-old rose through the ranks of the highest-earning college athletes from their NIL deals within four years of her collegiate career. Her NIL (name, image, and likeness) valuation experienced a slump during the gymnastics off-season. However, Livvy is the only gymnast and woman athlete in the top 5 rankings. There’s just something about the gymnast.

But let’s not forget about the Indiana Fever player. If you haven’t heard of “the Caitlin Clark” effect, here’s what you’ve missed out on. When the Iowa Hawkeyes point guard joined the big leagues in May 2024, her rookie debut coincided with a viewership increase of almost 200% for the WNBA. In fact, she also happened to be the all-time scoring leader in NCAA basketball this season, etching herself as a college great. Even though both athletes have been incredibly influential in the collegiate sports scene, this one factor separates the duo.

Unlike Caitlin Clark, Olivia Dunne hits a minor bump in collegiate career

The gymnast returned to LSU for one final time, hoping to take them to new heights in the NCAA. With NIL by her side, Olivia Dunne has set an example of how to navigate the NCAA. This will surely cement her as one of the most influential college athletes ever. But this leaves fans with one burning question: What would she do once the dust settles on her grand exit from LSU? The official X account of Global Impact Gymnastics Alliance felt the same: “Gymnasts deserve a path forward beyond college.”

For as long as we know now, the lack of a professional gymnastics league has led to numerous careers ending before they even took off. Many young girls invest their entire childhood in the sport. However, after a stellar career like Olivia Dunne’s, they’re left unsure of their future. But a GIGA aims to turn that uncertainty into something positive. After witnessing the struggles of most gymnasts—successful or not—Aimee Boorman and GIGA decided things needed to change. So, they are aiming to unveil the first gymnastics professional league in 2025.

This wouldn’t just be a fun hobby. Boorman, Maura Fox, and LaPrise Williams want to ensure that no gymnast would have to retire at the age of 22 or 23. If they’re looking for options after their collegiate career, Olympic, or World Championship life, the league will help them pave a path. “They make a salary. They’re insured. They have paid maternity leave. I mean, we’re looking at this as how do we provide a career for these women moving forward as any professional athlete should be taken care of,” Boorman exclaimed.

For as long as we know now, the lack of a professional gymnastics league has led to numerous careers ending before they even took off. Many young girls invest their entire childhood in the sport. However, after a stellar career like Olivia Dunne’s, they’re left unsure of their future. But a GIGA aims to turn that uncertainty into something positive. After witnessing the struggles of most gymnastics – successful or not, Aimee Boorman and GIGA decided things needed to change. So, they are aiming to unveil the first gymnastics professional league in 2025.

Caitlin Clark embarked on a similar journey after her NCAA days. After joining the Indiana Fever in the WNBA, she turned heads in her rookie season. In fact, she was instrumental in leading to record attendance and revenue for the league since 1997. The 22-year-old received a record annual payday for the league of approximately $11.1 million, with 99% of the total earned from her deals off the court. This brings her WNBA salary and bonus to roughly $100,000. With the GIGA gymnastics professional league next year, Olivia Dunne could possibly continue her path on the mat. But what does the 22-year-old think about her future?

The LSU gymnast has a plan in mind

Before the LSU Tiger broke the internet with her announcement earlier this year, she was at a crossroads about what the future held. Her end goal was to clinch a national championship with the school. Even though she went through numerous injuries, she finally made it happen. Many fans wanted to know if she ever thought of what would come after her stellar LSU stint. The 22-year-old previously remarked that she wouldn’t consider coaching since she knows she wouldn’t be good at it.

However, she didn’t want to consider breaking ties with LSU in the long run. The institution played a huge role in helping Olivia Dunne become who she is. So what did she say? Livvy opined that she wanted to do something in the NIL realm or with LSU because she loved the school. In fact, the 22-year-old’s decision to extend her collegiate career wasn’t just for herself. She wanted to mentor future female athletes.

Livvy will enter the NCAA season as a defending champion with LSU. However, off the mat, she will also focus on expanding her brand and supporting others. She currently boasts $9.5 million since the NCAA’s NIL rules were introduced in 2021. In fact, since her debut with the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, she believes creating a substantial brand post-college is very essential.

But that isn’t all. Olivia Dunne reiterated that most female student-athletes don’t know where to start when it comes to NIL opportunities. So, to make that path easier, she set up the Livvy Fund at LSU. Currently ranked at #4 on the NIL rankings, the 22-year-old continues to advocate for the need for support in leveraging NIL while still in college. On the other hand, the gymnast wants to help athletes beyond LSU. Will she be able to focus on this goal while also taking on the gymnastics professional league? We will just have to wait and watch.