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What Made Olivia Dunne the Highest Paid NCAA Athlete in 2023?

Olivia 'Livvy' Dunne has always had eyes on her ever since her college days, but she finally managed to take actual advantage of that exposure following the changes in NIL back in 2021.

In July 2021, when the NCAA announced that student-athletes would now be able to make money off marketing deals, everyone around Dunne knew she was about to become the next big thing.

Dunne earned a full scholarship to Louisiana State University, and when the NCAA agreed to the new Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) policy, "that's the moment my life changed," she told PEOPLE for the annual Women Changing the World issue back in 2023.

Livvy Dunne

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"There was no roadmap of how to do school, your athletics and social media all at the same time. There's really no one that's ever done it. And I figured I could change that. I could pave the way and be a good example to young girls that look up to me." Dunne added.

Over the first two years of the new NIL, it did not take Dunne long to start earning seven figures.

Dunne maximised her profits with several brands lining up to work with her. Her first deal was with the clothing brand Vuori, with whom she is still collaborating.

The former NCAA champion also stated that after gymnastics, there is no clear career path for the majority, so the NIL was a game-changer for her.

Dunne became the highest paid NCAA athlete in 2023 and has since transcended all boundaries of NIL.

Olivia Dunne Continues to Build Her Portfolio

It seemed like after college, Dunne did not leave a single opportunity untouched. She is now a brand ambassador, influencer, and model, and is about to make her silver screen debut in FOX's reboot of the iconic Baywatch series.

The former LSU gymnast will play the role of Grace, a "highly enthusiastic junior lifeguard". While it was recently reported that her time on the screen would be limited, Dunne could potentially earn other opportunities following this stint.

In 2025, Dunne's endorsements valued her at $4.1 million, still maintaining her richest NCAA athlete mantle, per On3.

Dunne's earnings also surpassed those of Paige Bueckers and Flau'jae Johnson, whose endorsements were both valued at $1.5 million each.

Dunne was No. 4 overall on the list, behind only football players Arch Manning ($6.5 million) and Carson Beck ($4.3 million) and basketball player Cooper Flagg ($4.8 million).

From one of the best gymnasts around and an NCAA champion to a multi-talented phenomenon changing the game one profession at a time, the sky is the limit for Olivia 'Livvy' Dunne.

So, what endeavour do you think Livvy Dunne will pick next, if there's any even remaining? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy