Olivia Dunne, LSU’s gymnastics sensation, is making waves both on and off the mat. With an NIL valuation of 4.2 million dollars, she’s the highest-paid female college athlete, leveraging her massive social media following to build a personal empire.
Now, as she tackles challenges like a potential TikTok ban, Dunne is diversifying her brand with a strategic move into the business world.
Teaming up with Jake Paul
In October 2024, Dunne joined forces with Jake Paul, becoming a co-owner of his men’s personal care brand, W. The brand, launched in June 2024, also includes MMA star Sean O’Malley and artist Rubi Rose as co-owners. Specializing in body wash and deodorant, W is sold exclusively at Walmart and aims to inspire confidence through high-quality products.
Dunne‘s partnership with Paul began after meeting him at Michael Rubin‘s white party. She was drawn to his passion for the brand, which aligns with her own competitive spirit. Dunne has since actively promoted W, sharing campaign highlights on Instagram and encouraging fans to engage with the brand. “Go for the win,” W’s slogan, perfectly reflects the dynamic duo’s collaborative energy.
While Dunne‘s business ventures are thriving, the potential TikTok ban poses a significant threat to her online presence. With over 8 million of her 13.3 million followers on the platform, TikTok has been a cornerstone of her brand and NIL success.
The platform’s uncertain future stems from legal tensions between ByteDance and the U.S. government, which could lead to a ban by January 19, 2025, unless ByteDance sells its U.S. operations. Dunne recently shared a nostalgic TikTok post, reflecting on her rise to fame and acknowledging the platform’s pivotal role in her career. Losing TikTok would not only disrupt her reach but also impact her brand deals, allowing competitors to gain ground.
Despite these challenges, Dunne is preparing for life beyond TikTok. Her collaboration with Jake Paul and W positions her to thrive in new arenas, leveraging her star power and entrepreneurial spirit to expand her influence.
From gymnastics to business, Olivia Dunne continues to prove she’s more than an athlete-she’s a trailblazer adapting to whatever challenges come her way.