How strong is the athlete economy for female gymnasts?

The athlete economy for female gymnasts is one of the strongest in college sports. Across NIL marketplaces, NCAA female gymnasts post deal values that average roughly four times typical athlete deals and about twice the deal value of many football players, despite having no fully built professional league beyond college.

Where does Livvy Dunne rank among NCAA NIL earners?

LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne is widely reported as the highest earning NIL female athlete and consistently sits among the top overall NCAA NIL earners, often ranking inside the top 10 and at times in the top 3 depending on the valuation source. Her following is driven by female fans as well as broad sports audiences across platforms like Instagram, TikTok and TikTok style short form video.

Why are gymnast NIL deals valued so highly?

Gymnasts combine Olympic credentials, NCAA success, short form highlight friendly routines and strong social media communities. Their audiences skew heavily female and family oriented, which brands value. As a result, gymnast NIL deals are priced at a premium versus average college athletes and even many football players.

How do social platforms and Twitch chat factor into gymnast NIL value?

Gymnastics routines break naturally into short clips that perform well on social platforms and live streaming formats. Twitch chat and similar live environments show high engagement when gymnasts compete, and fans frequently follow and support athletes across multiple channels, all of which increases NIL reach and value.

What is GIGA's role in the gymnast athlete economy?

GIGA, the Global Impact Gymnastics Alliance, is building a modern professional league for women's gymnastics so that NIL success, Olympic star power and NCAA fan bases can extend beyond college. The goal is to create a year round property that connects brands, broadcasters and female fans to the athletes who already prove their commercial value in the NIL market.

Analytic Insights - gymnasts

Economic Power of Gymnast NIL: Athlete Economy Data For Women's Gymnastics | GIGA

Women's Gymnastics:
The Commercial Opportunity

Women's Gymnastics, the most watched Olympic sport with record 2025 NCAA audiences, still has no pro-level system

Despite record-breaking Olympic viewership, historic NCAA TV audience growth, and top-tier NIL earnings, the sport's most accomplished athletes still have no pro league, no prize money circuit, and no professional runway beyond amateur levels.

Our analysis reveals the market signals, untapped revenue streams, and why a new Professional Women's Gymnastics League represents the most glaring (and promising) gap in women's sports.

USA gymnastics fans at the Rio Olympics showing enthusiasm and support

Among US TV Audience, Gymnastics regularly ranks as the most Popular Olympic Sport

Paris 2024 TV audience interest chart showing gymnastics at 37% leading all sports

US TV audiences rank Women's Gymnastics the #1 sport they are most interested in watching during the Summer Olympic Games. This is attributable in no small part to the combined appeal of compelling athletes, riveting visuals, and action competed in short form clips – making it social & streaming ready, and attractive to younger, Gen Z & Millennial audiences. (Source: Statista)

During Paris 2024, Simone Biles was the most followed Team USA Olympian

Chart showing most followed Team USA Olympians with Simone Biles leading

Gymnastics attracts underserved, highly engaged global fans

Female gymnastics see higher NIL deal value vs. other NCAA athletes

Chart comparing NIL deal values by sport showing gymnastics leading for female athletes

LSU Gymnast Livvy Dunne Is The Only Woman Athlete To Hit NIL's List Of Top 3 Highest Paid NCAA Athletes

Chart showing top 5 highest earning NIL athletes with Livvy Dunne ranking #2

The NIL list of top earning athletes competing NCAA is predominantly populated by men playing football and basketball. LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne is the only woman to crack NIL's top 10, hitting #2 in September 2024, and currently ranks #9 for all-time top NCAA NIL earners following NIL's 4th year. (Sources: Bleacher Report, On3, Opendorse)

During Paris, Simone Biles was the 2nd most discussed Olympian on Twitch chat - primarily male, non-gymnastics fans

Chart showing most discussed Olympians on Twitch chat with Simone Biles ranking #2