Despite Her Million-Dollar Empire at 20, Olivia Dunne Avoids Talking to Her Gymnast Friends About It- Here’s Why

Olivia Dunne is a hot topic this year. Ever since her whopping net worth was made public in 2023, the New Jersey native has captured the attention of media outlets worldwide. Following the NCAA’s rule change in 2021, the rising star’s net worth skyrocketed to an estimated $6 million. Dunne earned millions of dollars through NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals, while actively engaging with a huge fan base on Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok.

Despite her massive popularity, she remains candid and draws fans to her with each interview and career achievement. The 20-year-old recently shared that her conversations with LSU teammates include “normal college things” rather than “brand deals” and “NIL”.

Dunne stays grounded, not part of the business talks

At the On3 NIL Elite Series on May 31, 2023, Olivia and her mother Katherine addressed a group of top college football recruits from 2024’s batch. The event aimed to provide recruits with the expertise and skills necessary to succeed in the NIL. During its course, an athlete’s mother asked about maintaining normalcy amid the chaotic journey. To which Katherine replied, “Live the “normal” college life in the present, but take the NIL opportunities as they come and use them more as a foundation for your future. Treat that side as a business that you’re operating, don’t let it get in the way of the day-to-day”.

Dunne has an unusual take on fame and “normalcy” unlike other 20-year-olds. According to Outkick, the gymnast said, “When I’m in the gym, I never talk about NIL with my teammates. We talk about normal college things. When we’re in the locker room, it’s normal locker room talk.” She also commented on the business banter started by teammates, and how she handles the situation, saying… “It’s never about brand deals. It’s never about NIL. Sometimes a teammate or two will come up and ask me for advice about it, but even then, we talk about it more in-depth later on.”

The LSU player desires to serve as an example for young girls, while downplaying the status as an emerging sports sensation. The young influencer added, ” I hope that I can (elevate everyone around me) in all aspects of my life, not just NIL—as a teammate, as a friend, and as a sister.”

The net worth of the American athlete has surged since NIL allowed college athletes to cash in on their athletic fame. Dunne signed WME Sports and continues to collaborate on more lucrative contracts while establishing a strong online presence.

Dunne’s skyrocketing net worth

Besides her well-known gymnastics career, she is also dedicated to building strong brand partnerships. Dunne has collaborated with famous brands like American Eagle, Forever 21, and Vuori, among others. The senior year LSU student recently became one of the first college athletes to appear in Puerto Rico’s Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition of 2023. Forbes reported Dunne’s collaboration with Vuori worth “mid six figures,” similar to the figures with Forever 21. Dunne continues to build her empire while leading as the highest-paid female collegiate athlete.

READ MORE: Despite $3,400,000 Empire, Gymnastics Sensation Olivia Dunne Refuses To Splurge Her Money

The social media influencer aspires to lead a “normal” college life and not let her success go to her head. Dunne rocks the work-life balance as she enters her senior year at LSU and continues to be NCAA’s highest-earning female athlete at 20.

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