Livvy Dunne and Paul Skenes have quickly become one of the most high-profile power couples in the sports world, but many fans are curious—how did their relationship begin?
Before they were flying on private jets and attending games together, both Dunne and Skenes were standout athletes at LSU. Livvy, 21, is a top gymnast with a massive social media following and a leader in the Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) space, while Paul, 22, is a star pitcher who was recently drafted No. 1 overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dunne recently revealed the story of how their romance started on Flau’jae Johnson’s Best of Both Worlds podcast.
According to Dunne, it was actually she who took the first step. “I would kind of see him around and be like, ‘Who is this tall guy — this tall mysterious man,’” she said, referring to Skenes, who stands at an impressive 6-foot-6.
Though she didn’t know who he was initially, Dunne frequently spotted him around campus and during games. The turning point came during baseball season when she and her gymnastics teammates were watching LSU’s baseball team. Skenes, not playing in the game at the time, was sitting in the dugout, catching Dunne’s eye.
“There he is. He’s cute. He didn’t even have a mustache yet,” Dunne joked. After the game, she decided to follow him on social media—a bold move that paid off. Shortly after, the two went out for ice cream on what Dunne described as a “chill” first date. It was the beginning of their relationship, and as time went on, the mustache she teased about eventually made an appearance on Skenes, adding another layer of charm to their story.
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Their relationship quickly blossomed, and both have shared snippets of their lives together, much to the delight of fans. Whether it’s walking red carpets, like they did at the 2024 MLB All-Star Game, or supporting each other’s careers, the couple has become a favorite among sports enthusiasts.
Beyond their relationship, Dunne and Skenes have also made headlines for their incredible achievements and financial success. Skenes, who was drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates, signed a groundbreaking deal that included a $9.2 million signing bonus—the largest in MLB draft history. On top of that, his contract guarantees a base salary of $740,000 annually.
Not to be outdone, Dunne is one of the most successful athletes in the NIL space, having earned nearly $10 million in endorsement deals, with an estimated $4 million per year in earnings, according to On3’s NIL Top 100 Rankings. Her social media presence, particularly on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, has helped her become one of the most recognizable faces in college sports.
In addition to their financial success, both Dunne and Skenes are national champions. Skenes led LSU’s baseball team to a national title in 2023, while Dunne celebrated a team championship with LSU gymnastics this year. Despite their demanding schedules, the couple has remained supportive of each other’s careers.
As Dunne enters her fifth and final year of eligibility at LSU, she’s focused on finishing her collegiate career on a high note, while Skenes is making waves in his rookie season with the Pirates. As of now, he boasts an impressive 11-3 record with a 1.99 ERA, showing the world why he was the top pick in the draft.
What’s next for Livvy Dunne and Paul Skenes? Only time—and their active social media accounts—will tell. But one thing’s for sure: whether it’s on the field, in the gym, or in the spotlight, this power couple is here to stay.
