Livvy Dunne has built a brand empire that extends far beyond the gymnastics mat, becoming one of the most influential figures in college athletics thanks to the opportunities brought about by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. The 21-year-old LSU gymnast, who has amassed a massive following on social media, recently appeared on Good Morning America to discuss her success and promote her new docuseries, The Money Game.
The series highlights Dunne and several other LSU athletes, including WNBA star Angel Reese, NIL millionaire and rapper Flau’jae Johnson, and Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, all of whom have capitalized on the NIL revolution.
During her interview with Good Morning America hosts Michael Strahan, Robin Roberts, and George Stephanopoulos, Dunne reflected on the transformative impact NIL has had on her life and career. Although she shared a lighthearted moment about meeting Matthew McConaughey and his wife Camila Alves backstage, the conversation quickly turned to how Dunne has leveraged her NIL opportunities to build a financial empire.
“The opportunities that have come with this [NIL] rule change have changed my life,” Dunne said. “It’s been such a blessing, and the fact that I get to work for the brands I didn’t have the opportunity to work with before has been a dream come true.”
Dunne’s brand empire includes major sponsorships with companies like Vuori, Nautica, and American Eagle, with her sister Julz playing a key role in managing her partnerships. Together, they’ve navigated the evolving landscape of college athletics, positioning Livvy as one of the most marketable athletes in the country. However, Dunne emphasized that her success goes beyond personal gain—she believes it’s vital for female athletes to maximize their NIL potential while they are still in college.
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“I feel like for women’s sports, it’s super important to capitalize on your NIL while you’re still in college because there aren’t as many professional opportunities available,” Dunne explained. “So I feel like that’s really important, especially for women.”
Dunne’s ability to monetize her brand at such a young age has drawn widespread attention, but she insists that her decision to return for a fifth year of eligibility wasn’t driven by money. Instead, she is motivated by her love for the sport, her teammates, and the chance to defend LSU’s national championship.
“It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” Dunne said of winning the national title. “I felt like winning was just the cherry on top, and I wanted to experience it again.”
As Dunne discussed her passion for gymnastics, Strahan, a former NFL Hall of Famer, couldn’t help but agree. “Winning is addictive,” Strahan said with a laugh, “and so is making a lot of money.”
While Dunne has undoubtedly changed the game for female athletes by becoming a trailblazer in the NIL space, she remains committed to her craft and her team, even as her star continues to rise. Balancing her athletic career with her growing business empire, Dunne has proven that it’s possible to excel in both sports and entrepreneurship.
And with her determination to continue building on LSU’s success, Dunne’s future looks as bright as ever.
Her docuseries, The Money Game, is set to showcase the incredible journey of athletes like Dunne, who are reshaping the sports industry by taking control of their own narratives and financial futures.
