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Gymnast Turned Fashion Icon Olivia Dunne Reveals the ‘Brain and Backbone’ of Her $3.3 Million Empire

Published 07/27/2023, 1:15 PM EDT

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The 2021 NIL rule change was a boon for college athletes. Since then, NCAA athletes have found a way to not only sustain but better their sporting growth, due to new revenue opportunities. Capitalizing on the rule change, one NCAA athlete has been utilizing her NIL to the max. LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne is NCAA’s highest-paid female athlete, with a jaw-dropping seven-figure income.

However, behind every soaring star lies a steadfast support system. Recently, Dunne addressed who is the brain and backbone of her entire operation, and surprisingly it’s just one person.

Who handles Olivia Dunne’s multi-million dollar empire?

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With around 13 million social media followers, Olivia divulged the secret to her social media prowess–her sister Julz Dunne. The two siblings make a formidable team, collaborating on creative ideas and shooting captivating content for Olivia’s online platforms. While the gymnast graces the practice floor, Julz expertly handles the post-production editing, ensuring that every upload is nothing short of spectacular. Julz’s invaluable contribution has even earned her a spot on Olivia’s payroll. As a recent LSU graduate, she juggles her paid responsibilities in “Livvy Land” while simultaneously nurturing her own social media enterprise. According to a New York Post report, while talking about her sister, Olivia said, “sometimes the brains behind the operation.”

via Getty

Throughout her college years, Olivia’s life has been a whirlwind of scholarship, gymnastics, academics, and an ever-expanding social media empire. Amid classes, homework, and training, Dunne also dedicates time to her online presence, capturing the hearts of her 11.9 million followers on TikTok and Instagram combined. As Dunne’s empire expands, so does her brand portfolio. Collaborations with esteemed names like Accelerator, Vuori activewear brand, L’Oréal, Spotify, Forever 21, Motorola, American Eagle, Grubhub, ESPN College GameDay, and YouTube underscore the breadth of her influence. As she continues to mesmerize her followers on and off the field, Dunne is also proving to the world about women’s equality in sports by surpassing other male NCAA athletes.

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Olivia Dunne’s NIL dominance

The NCAA shattered a 115-year-old barrier in 2021, allowing student-athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness (NIL). On On3’s esteemed NIL 100 List, Olivia holds a remarkable position, ranking second only to Bronny James, the highly sought-after men’s basketball commit from USC. Her breathtaking ascent also places her ahead of Texas quarterback sensation, Arch Manning, sealing her position as one of the most powerful and influential figures in the NIL landscape.

Read more: “You’re More Than Just the Sport”: LSU Gymnast Olivia Dunne Gives ‘Priceless’ Advice to Her Female Fans in Her Latest Interview

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Olivia Dunne’s journey is far from over. Her empire continues to thrive, fueled by sisterhood, talent, and an unwavering spirit. As the world watches in awe, this gymnast-turned-influencer continues to leave a mark on sports, social media, and beyond.

Watch this story: While Dolling Up for Her First Ever Elle Exclusive, Olivia Dunne Reveals the One Moment That Changed Her Life Forever

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Written by:

Vaibhav Singh Bisht

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Vaibhav Singh Bisht is a sports writer for Essentially Sports. He holds a Masters's degree in Mass Communication with a specialization in Advertising and Corporate Communication. Vaibhav has experience working in the Public Relations industry previously.
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Edited by:

Debmallya Chakraborty