Olivia Dunne makes plans to increase her wealth even more

Olivia “Livvy” Dunne, the highest-earning female college athlete in history, is taking a unique approach to her final year at LSU.

With a remarkable 9.5 million dollars earned since the NCAA‘s NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rules were introduced in 2021, Dunne has chosen to extend her college career not just for herself, but to mentor future female athletes.

Having completed her undergraduate degree, Dunne opted to stay at LSU for one more year, focusing on expanding her brand and supporting others.

She views her involvement with the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, where she made her debut in 2023, as a key component of her long-term brand-building efforts.

“I think that’s important, creating a substantial brand that will last post-college,” Dunne said of her partnership with SI.

In addition to her modeling work, Dunne is dedicated to helping other female athletes navigate their NIL opportunities. She established the Livvy Fund at LSU to assist female student-athletes in securing deals.

“Girls don’t know where to start,” she explained.

Dunne spent time emphasizing the need for support in leveraging NIL while still in college, given the limited professional opportunities for many women’s sports. Her goal is to broaden this initiative to help more athletes beyond LSU.

How does Dunne balance fame and life challenges?

Dunne‘s rise to prominence began with viral TikTok videos showcasing her gymnastics skills, which rapidly built her following.

Her success has led to high-profile endorsements with brands such as Vuori, American Eagle, and Microsoft. Despite this, Dunne has faced challenges, including negative comments and security issues. She appreciates the support she’s received from LSU to ensure her safety and address these concerns.

The docu-series The Money Game, which features Dunne, offers a glimpse into the realities of juggling athletics, academics, and NIL deals.

“Social media can glamorize things, but it’s not always like that,” Dunne noted.

As Dunne prepares for her fifth and final year of eligibility starting in January 2025, she is focused on leading the LSU gymnastics team to another championship.

“Winning the championship was so exciting for not only our team but the whole university,” she said.

“I want to feel that again.”