Olivia Dunne, the incredible gymnast from Louisiana State University, is not only a social media influencer and a cover girl for Sports Illustrated, but she is also using her platform to make a difference. She has recently launched a fund called The Livvy Fund to support women athletes in securing name, image, and licensing (NIL) money. Initially, the fund will provide exclusive industry tips and connections to female athletes at LSU, thanks to the network that Dunne has built.
Dunne is widely recognized as one of the highest-paid female athletes in the country, earning a seven-figure income through NIL deals. In an interview with SI Swimsuit, she expressed her hope that The Livvy Fund is just the beginning and that she can bring on board as many women student athletes as possible. Her ultimate goal is to elevate women’s sports as a whole and ensure they receive the same level of publicity as men’s sports.
But Dunne’s impact goes beyond her athletic achievements and social media following. She is a trailblazer in the new era of college sports, where athletes can now capitalize on their names, images, and licensing. A 2021 Supreme Court ruling paved the way for athletes like Dunne to monetize their success, transforming the landscape of “amateur” sports.
As Dunne enters her senior year at LSU, she continues to inspire with her dedication and influence. With over 4 million Instagram followers and 7.6 million TikTok followers, her posts reach millions of people. She has become the top female social media influencer, with an estimated worth of $3.3 million and counting. In fact, she recently revealed that she has been paid over $500,000 for a single social media post.
Motivated by the disparities she observed, Dunne decided to establish the Livvy Fund when she discovered that 66% of NIL funding at LSU goes to male athletes. She aims to fight for equal opportunities and educate her fellow student athletes on how to navigate the business side of their careers and collaborate with brands. Dunne believes in sharing her knowledge and experiences to empower others and level the playing field.
Looking ahead, Dunne envisions expanding the Livvy Fund to other college campuses, spreading its impact and supporting women athletes across the nation. With her determination and passion, there’s no doubt that she will continue to make a significant difference in the world of sports.
