Olivia Dunne and Caitlin Clark have emerged as two of the most iconic figures in collegiate sports, each leaving an indelible mark in their respective fields. Olivia Dunne, a 22-year-old gymnast, has ascended to the top ranks of the highest-earning college athletes through her NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals. Despite a temporary dip in her NIL valuation during the gymnastics off-season, Dunne remains the only gymnast and woman athlete in the top 5 rankings.
Her success story is not just about her athletic prowess but also about how she has navigated the NCAA landscape, setting a benchmark for future athletes. As she prepares for her final stint with LSU, fans are left wondering about her future beyond college gymnastics. The Global Impact Gymnastics Alliance (GIGA) echoes this sentiment, stating, “Gymnasts deserve a path forward beyond college.”
Olivia Dunne shocks fans with acrobatic NIL deal announcement for Jake Paul’s W brand
The lack of a professional gymnastics league has historically led to many promising careers ending prematurely. This reality has left many young women, who have dedicated their childhoods to gymnastics, uncertain about their future post-college. GIGA, under the leadership of Aimee Boorman, aims to change this narrative by unveiling the first professional gymnastics league in 2025.
Boorman emphasizes the league’s mission: “They make a salary. They’re insured. They have paid maternity leave. I mean, we’re looking at this as how do we provide a career for these women moving forward as any professional athlete should be taken care of.” This initiative seeks to provide gymnasts with sustainable career options beyond their collegiate and competitive years.
How Caitlin is changing the game for young athletes
On a parallel journey is Caitlin Clark, who has made waves in basketball. After joining the Indiana Fever in the WNBA in May 2024, Clark’s rookie debut coincided with a staggering viewership increase of nearly 200% for the league. Her influence was further cemented when she became the all-time scoring leader in NCAA basketball, establishing herself as a college basketball legend.
Clark’s impact extends beyond her on-court achievements; she has been instrumental in driving record attendance and revenue for the WNBA since 1997. Her contribution to the league is underscored by her record annual payday of approximately $11.1 million.
Both Dunne and Clark exemplify the transformative power of collegiate athletes in shaping their sports’ landscapes. While Dunne’s journey highlights the challenges and opportunities within gymnastics, Clark’s story underscores the potential for athletes to elevate professional leagues. As these athletes continue to break barriers and set new standards, they inspire future generations to pursue their passions with determination and resilience.
