Gymnast NIL Economics: Women's NCAA Gymnastics Popularity, NIL Value, and Pro League Opportunity | GIGA

Women's Gymnastics:
Untapped economic power of athlete NIL



Women’s Gymnastics has a proven athlete economy, but lacks a pro-level ecosystem


Women’s gymnastics is the most watched Olympic sport in the world and one of the fastest-growing NCAA television properties in the U.S. However, just as athletes reach peak visibility, performance, and NIL earning power, careers are effectively cut short because no professional pathway exists beyond college or Olympic cycles.

Despite record Olympic audiences, historic NCAA viewership growth, and outsized NIL impact, the sport's top gymnasts face a structural dead end: no prize-money circuit, pro teams, or other means to earn revenue on the field of play after college or outside the Olympics. Consequently, globally recognizable stars are prematurely pushed out of the sport at the height of their competitive and commercial power.

Our analysis highlights the untapped revenue, unrealized earning power, and commercial opportunity that is already supported by proven demand.

Katelyn Ohashi on floor competing for UCLA in NCAA women’s gymnastics (Photo: John Cheng)
UCLA gymnast competes on floor in NCAA women’s gymnastics (Photo: John Cheng)

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

Chart showing most followed Team USA Olympians with Simone Biles leading
During the Paris 2024 Olympics, Simone Biles was the Team USA athlete Americans were most interested in watching and following - above all other US Olympians, affirming the broad audience appeal of gymnasts, and in particular, the sport's female athletes. Source: Statista

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

Chart comparing NIL deal values by sport showing gymnastics leading for female athletes
During the first year of NIL, female gymnasts commanded higher average NIL deals than athletes in other sports; with an average contract value (CV) of $7100, gymnasts NIL rates ranked more than 2x average football player NIL deal CV, and greater than 4x deal CV of average athletes across all sports. Source: AP News

Among US TV Audiences, 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

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 Olympic Athlete on Twitch chat

Chart showing most discussed Olympians on Twitch chat with Simone Biles ranking #2
During the Paris Olympics, US gymnast Simone Biles was the second most discussed Olympic athlete (and top woman) on Twitch Chat, despite a worldwide user base that is primarily male. Source: Streams Charts (via Twitch data)