Finding the Next Livvy Dunne: Future NIL Stars in Women’s Sports

In the world of women’s college sports, not many names hit like Olivia ‘Livvy’ Dunne. From her early days as a gymnast to her rise as a social media sensation, Dunne’s story really shows how the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) ruling changed collegiate athletics.

As Dunne’s NCAA gymnastics career wraps up, everyone’s already looking for the next NIL star in women’s college sports. Let’s take a closer look at Dunne’s wild rise and what might be next for young female athletes in the NIL era.

The Rise of Olivia ‘Livvy’ Dunne

Olivia Dunne grew up in New Jersey and first turned heads with her gymnastics skills. But her fame really took off thanks to her savvy use of social media, especially TikTok and Instagram.

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, when people were stuck at home, Dunne’s videos and posts found a huge audience. She mixed athletic clips with glimpses into her life, and somehow, it just clicked with millions.

Timing and Social Media Savvy

Dr. Megan Sawey from Cornell University points out that Dunne’s rise wasn’t just luck. She had perfect timing and knew exactly what kind of content to share.

Dunne started building her social media following as a kid, way before most people even thought about it. When TikTok exploded in 2020, she was already ahead of the curve and ready to grab the attention of a bored, quarantined crowd.

That early start and her steady posting really set her up for NIL success later on.

Capitalizing on NIL Opportunities

Dunne landed early deals with brands like Vuori, Grubhub, and Bodyarmor. That was just the beginning—she went on to work with American Eagle and even appeared in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.

Her partnerships showed that women athletes, even in non-revenue sports, could cash in on their personal brands. Dunne found a way to mix her athletic achievements with lifestyle content, and that made her a real pioneer in the NIL world.

The Impact of Dunne’s NIL Success

Olivia Dunne’s NIL journey has changed the game for collegiate sports. She proved that athletes outside the big-money sports can still earn big through smart brand deals.

Now, young athletes are thinking more about their social media presence, not just their training. It’s a new kind of balancing act, for sure.

The Role of Social Media in NIL

Dr. Sawey says that if athletes want to catch the eye of sponsors, they’ve got to build an audience. That usually means becoming your own social media manager and PR team.

For those in less mainstream sports, keeping up with content can feel like a full-time job. But as Dunne’s story shows, the payoff can be huge.

Challenges and Criticisms

Dunne hasn’t had an easy ride, though. As a female athlete with a mostly male following, she’s dealt with a lot of online harassment and even some scary safety issues.

There have been cases of stalking and inappropriate behavior from fans, which really highlights the downside of internet fame. Dunne’s experiences make it clear that athletes need solid support and safety measures as they navigate the NIL world.

The Future of NIL in Women’s College Sports

With Dunne’s college career ending, the hunt for the next big NIL name in women’s sports is heating up. Brands are on the lookout for someone who can pull off what Dunne did.

Women’s sports are getting more attention, and the NIL rules keep evolving. It’s opening up new ways for young athletes to turn their skills into influence—and, let’s be honest, some real money.

Preparing the Next Generation

Places like IMG Academy are stepping up to help young athletes handle the demands of the NIL era. They’re offering training and resources to help athletes build strong social media profiles and land brand deals.

For athletes in non-revenue sports, showing up to college with followers already in tow can make all the difference when it comes to getting those lucrative opportunities.