Olivia Dunne, an LSU gymnastics star, has taken a bold stance against the NCAA, exposing flaws in its $2.8 billion House settlement. On April 7, 2025, Dunne argued that the payout formula unfairly favors revenue-heavy sports like football, leaving non-revenue athletes. Â
Olivia Dunne has a $4.1 million NIL valuation and 13.7 million followers. She is the highest-earning female NCAA athlete, but claims the settlement’s back pay for lost NIL opportunities fails to reflect her true worth.
In addition, she has emphasized that her brand value existed long before the NIL rules were legalized in 2021. Stating, “This settlement uses outdated logic to calculate modern value.”
Her objection is one of 18 filed against the settlement, which aims to compensate athletes for lost earnings from 2016 to 2024. While the deal promises damages and allows schools to pay athletes up to $20.5 million annually, Dunne states that its formula ignores the skyrocketing NIL market she helped pioneer.
This legal battle could reshape athlete compensation in the NIL era, highlighting inequities between revenue and non-revenue sports. Dunne’s fight underscores her role as a trailblazer for athletes outside traditional revenue streams, demanding fair recognition for their contributions.
Moreover, her remarks have sparked widespread debate about fairness in athlete compensation and transparency in NCAA policies. As the settlement nears approval, Dunne’s objections may pave the way for significant reforms in how college athletes are valued and compensated.
Olivia Dunne Athletics Career
Olivia Dunne actively pursues her career as an accomplished American gymnast and social media influencer. She began competing in gymnastics at age 11, debuting at the 2014 American Classic.
Dunne gained recognition as part of the U.S. junior national team in 2017, competing internationally and achieving notable rankings. After transitioning to the senior level in 2018, Dunne overcame injuries and continued to excel. She later joined Louisiana State University (LSU) in 2020.
At LSU, Dunne specializes in uneven bars and floor exercise, earning All-American honors and contributing significantly to her team.
She actively leverages her gymnastics success and massive social media following to become the highest-earning female NCAA athlete, trailblazing in the NIL era.
