College gymnastics has probably gotten one of the biggest boosts from the rise of NIL deals, and it’s easy to see why. For a lot of athletes, just getting the chance to play at the collegiate level is huge, and even fewer get to represent their countries in the Olympics. But for gymnasts like Jordan Chiles, the journey looks a little different. After winning her Olympic team medal, Chiles is back in the NCAA spotlight with UCLA, and, of course, people are comparing her to LSU’s Olivia Dunne. Both have made a name for themselves in NIL.

Chiles, who’s still bouncing back from her emotional experience in Paris after her floor bronze medal was stripped. And now she has reignited her college gymnastics career and is climbing the commercial ladder, with her NIL valuation sitting at $318,000. Her athletic talent is beyond impressive, and her return to NCAA competition could give her the exposure she needs to keep building that financial success. And at just 23, it’s crazy how she’s already managing all of this, and she recently shared how she handles her finances at such a young age.

Chiles is cashing in on fame

Recently, Jordan Chiles joined Black Entrepreneurs Day, an annual livestream event hosted by Daymond John. During the event, Daymond asked Jordan about her experience as both a college athlete and someone navigating the NIL. Jordan, who has collaborated with Nike on activewear and launched her own guitar line, shared how she’s managed the significant financial opportunities that come with NIL deals. “I feel like we have the ability to put our future in our hands in a different way,” she said, reflecting on the power of athletes to shape their careers in new ways through these opportunities.

Reflecting on the changes since NIL was changed in 2021, prior to this, college athletes were prohibited from profiting off their name, image, and likeness, meaning they couldn’t accept endorsements or sign contracts with brands. However, in June 2021, the NCAA announced a change, allowing athletes to profit from their personal brand for the first time. Jordan explained, “It’s definitely been very crazy being able to be a pro athlete and also a college athlete at the same time.”

Jordan discussed how balancing her career as an athlete with the responsibilities of managing her brand has been challenging but rewarding. “I think it’s sometimes a blessing in disguise because there are a lot of things you do have to learn, but also understand that your name is something that is your brand as well,” she added, highlighting the importance of building and protecting her personal brand through contracts with companies like Nike and other endorsements. Despite the challenges, Jordan expressed how rewarding it is to see her name evolve into a powerful brand.

Jordan also credited her support team for helping her navigate the financial side of NIL. “I do have the right people around me being able to help me be financially stable in that process,” she said, mentioning her accountants, lawyers, and advisors. She emphasized the importance of investment and saving for the future, noting, “Understanding that investment is a huge thing, saving is a huge thing, and being able to put your money in the right stocks” has been key to her financial strategy. For Jordan, managing her brand and finances has been a process of learning and growing, but she is definitely a smart player in terms of investing money.

Jordan Chiles went from underdog to Olympic superstar in just a few years!

Jordan Chiles’ gymnastics journey started when she was just seven years old. By the time she was 10, she was already competing at the Junior Olympic Nationals. Moving into Elite gymnastics, she snagged a silver medal on vault at the U.S. Championships in 2018. It was her performance during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, though, that really put her on the map. When Simone Biles needed to step back due to twisties, Jordan stepped in and helped Team USA secure a silver medal. Fast forward to 2024; she was a key part of the team that took home the gold in the all-around event at the Paris Olympics!

Jordan has established a portfolio outside of the gymnastics arena. She is estimated to have a net worth ranging from $1 million to $5 million, predominantly through her endorsement partnerships with top brands such as Nike and Toyota, among others. Her five-year deal with Nike is a standout, especially since she’s such a fan of their gear—she even owns nearly 200 pairs of Air Jordans! And that’s just the start—Jordan has also partnered with companies like Kiss USA, GK Elite, Love Wellness, Dollar Shave Club, and Purple, making her a sought-after figure both in and out of gymnastics.

On top of all that, Jordan’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through in her business ventures. She launched Melanin Drip Clothing Co., a line of athletic wear focused on inclusivity and empowerment. At just 23 years old, she’s already made some smart investments, including purchasing a $1.5 million dream home in Houston for her parents. Between her achievements in gymnastics, strategic endorsement deals, and entrepreneurial pursuits, Jordan Chiles is not just an athlete but a powerhouse in every sense of the word.