Helping Olivia Dunne Succeed, Coach Clark Confesses Brutal NIL Reality: ‘We Don’t Have an NFL or NBA’

“You know, they want to discredit everything she’s accomplished outside of gymnastics by saying, you know, something negative about her in gymnastics,” shared Jay Clark, standing firm in defense of LSU’s NIL queen and his star pupil, Olivia Dunne. Clark isn’t new to this game. As LSU’s associate head coach since 2012 and head coach since 2020, he’s been the mastermind behind transforming the program into a gymnastics powerhouse, culminating in a historic NCAA Championship victory. With accolades ranging from eight NCAA Championship Finals appearances to four SEC titles, his track record speaks volumes.

But his work isn’t just about medals and records. Clark has been instrumental in helping athletes like Livvy navigate the highs and lows of the sport—and the not-so-nice side of fame. Livvy’s shining performances, like her 9.900 on floor and academic honors, are proof of their winning partnership. And while Livvy climbs the NIL mountain, Clark doesn’t shy away from calling out the challenges that come with it.

Jay Clark shared his opinion on NIL

In a chat with Bridget Sloan on her Flipping Out with Bridget Sloan podcast, LSU gymnastics head coach Jay Clark didn’t hold back when it came to the impact of NIL on college gymnastics. “While I support NIL and am a strong advocate for it in gymnastics, because we don’t have professional leagues like the NFL, NBA, or Major League Baseball, I see NIL as a great opportunity,” he shared, showing his deep care for gymnasts and their futures. Let’s face it—before NIL rules came into play, gymnasts had slim chances of cashing in on their athletic abilities while competing in college.

Unlike football or basketball players eyeing multi-million-dollar pro careers, many gymnasts were left deciding between sticking with their sport or chasing financial stability elsewhere. Jay’s got a point—gymnastics doesn’t have an NFL or NBA waiting at the finish line. And don’t even get us started on pro athletes in the sport. Even Simone Biles—the GOAT—earns next to nothing from the sport. Enter Olivia Dunne, the literal poster girl for NIL success.

 Sitting pretty at No. 4 on the On3 NIL Valuation list and as the only female in the top 10, Dunne’s $4.2 million valuation is nothing short of game-changing. Jay applauded the NIL era, saying, “It allows gymnasts to monetize and make some money from something they’ve been committed to since they were three or four years old in many cases, and it’s likely the only opportunity they’ll get. I’m all for that.”

But Jay Clark also shared his fear sharing, “However, I think we are crossing into a space where things are getting “greasy.” Collectives are getting involved, paying people, and almost acting like managers of what is turning into a de facto salary cap. These trends are just now entering our sport. ” This could blur the lines between amateur and professional sports, as these collectives often act like managers, influencing which athletes get financial incentives and potentially impacting recruiting decisions.

Clark seemed concerned that gymnastics, a sport traditionally untouched by the large-scale financial dynamics seen in football or basketball, is beginning to experience these changes. But he revealed, “I’m hopeful that this doesn’t become a major component of the recruiting process. I want to provide an environment where gymnasts can profit, make money, and do well.”

And Livvy is leading by example. From her massive deal with Passes—a multi-million-dollar agreement signed in May—to partnerships with big-name brands like Nautica, SI Swimsuit, Vuori, and Motorola, she’s rewriting the rules. Reflecting on Jay Clark’s words, it is evident he has the best interest of his athletes, and this was especially seen when he lent his support to Olivia Dunne at a crucial moment.

The LSU HC’s crisis intervention when Olivia Dunne needed it

Olivia Dunne has become one of the most talked-about athletes in NCAA gymnastics, thanks to her stardom. But with fame comes critics, and Dunne has had her share of detractors who label her a “professional bench warmer” and dismiss her gymnastics skills. LSU head coach Jay Clark isn’t having it. “She’s not like, you know, some kid that showed up and we put on the poster so she could be famous. I mean, you know, it’s contributed in numerous ways,” Clark stated firmly on All Things Gymnastics.

He emphasized that Dunne’s impact on LSU goes far beyond her time on the mat, pointing out that her behind-the-scenes work is just as vital to the team’s success. Clark believes fans miss the bigger picture. He said, “They don’t understand the magnitude of the roles that get played by people that don’t necessarily compete all the time,” he added, underscoring her critical contributions to LSU’s 2024 title win.

For Clark, guiding Dunne through the noise—both positive and negative—has been key. “The main thing is to just keep them you know in the process and not letting them you know in process and not let them get distracted,” he shared. His advice? Tune out the chatter and focus on her strengths. Or as Clark put it in The Money Game: “Get rid of the brain. Let the body do what it knows how to do.”

Despite the naysayers, Dunne’s value to LSU’s gymnastics program is clear. With Clark’s support, she’s proving that success isn’t just about what happens under the spotlight—it’s about what happens behind the scenes too.