Paris Olympics Hopeful Suni Lee Might Get a Taste of NCAA’s $3 Billion Fiasco

The landscape of college athletics is undergoing a monumental shift that is changing the world of NCAA and NIL deals. In a landmark decision that could reshape the landscape of college athletics, the NCAA has agreed to a $2.8 billion settlement in the House v. NCAA case. This case is set to have significant implications for student-athletes, including gymnastics Olympic champion Suni Lee, who could benefit from the transformative changes in college sports.

The NCAA Board of Governors and every Power Five conference have agreed to dismantle the amateurism model, marking the beginning of a new era. For the uninitiated, the amateurism model is a decisive college revenue sharing system will be discontinued by the NCAA and its five power conferences and Suni Lee is but a byproduct of this significant decision. This historic move will compensate college athletes for past restrictions on their ability to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Among the athletes set to benefit from this settlement is Suni Lee, the Olympic gold medalist and former Auburn Tigers gymnast who made millions through NIL.

How the House vs. NCAA Settlement might benefit Suni Lee

According to AP News, the $2.8 billion House v. NCAA settlement is a game-changer for college athletes like Suni Lee. It’s not just about the money; it’s about recognizing their value and talent. This landmark agreement, born out of a massive lawsuit, is a win for athletes who missed out on opportunities to make money from their names, images, and likeness while in college. Starting in Fall 2025, athletes who’ve showcased their skills and marketability during their time in college will finally get a fair share of the revenue generated by their sports programs.

For Suni Lee, an Olympian and former NCAA gymnast, this could mean a lot. She’s not just an athlete; she’s helped put the Auburn Tigers in the spotlight from January 2022 until April 2023. Before, athletes like her didn’t really get a piece of the financial pie, but now things are changing for the better. With this settlement, over $2.8 billion will flow directly to current and former Division 1 athletes, giving them the chance to earn more through deals using their name, image, and likeness. But it’s not all smooth sailing yet.

Final approval from a judge is still pending, and there are still debates about how exactly the money should be divided among athletes. Some argue that athletes should be treated as employees and paid hourly wages, especially in sports like football and basketball. Apart from this, if Lee decides to return to NCAA competition, she stands to benefit from this new model, which aims to distribute a portion of the revenue generated by college sports programs directly to the athletes. Despite the uncertainties, this settlement marks a significant step forward in recognizing the contributions and worth of college athletes. As we reflect on these massive changes, let us see how Suni Lee was among the top 10 earners on the NIL list.

How much Suni earns through NIL?

Suni Lee’s success at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where she became the first Hmong-American Olympian and the first Asian American woman to win the all-around title, propelled her into the spotlight. Her subsequent entry into the NCAA with Auburn University allowed her to leverage her fame and secure numerous lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Crocs, CLIF Bar, Amazon, Gatorade, Invisalign, and Target. These deals significantly boosted her NIL valuation, making her one of the highest-earning college athletes.

Despite her early departure from NCAA gymnastics due to a kidney condition, Lee’s NIL success continued to grow. Her strategic brand partnerships and substantial social media following also contributed to an estimated NIL valuation of $1.5 million by December 2023. Suni Lee’s journey in the NCAA may have been cut short, but the $2.8 billion settlement ensures she will still benefit financially.

The House vs. NCAA settlement marks a pivotal moment in college sports, providing athletes like Suni Lee with the recognition and compensation they deserve for their contributions to the multi-billion-dollar industry. What are your thoughts on this update? Could Lee benefit from this settlement? Share your thoughts in the comments below!