Olivia Dunne‘s influence has long stretched beyond the gym, but her latest move signals something bigger.
The former LSU gymnast has stepped firmly into the business spotlight after becoming the face of a historic first for Boardroom, the sports and culture platform founded by Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman.
Dunne was unveiled as the cover star of Boardroom‘s debut print magazine, marking a notable shift in how she is being positioned within the wider sports landscape.
No longer defined solely by her athletic past or social media reach, the 24 year old is now being framed as part of a growing class of athlete investors shaping modern sports culture.
“Suited up for the first @boardroom print cover ever;) Thank you @boardroom & @richkleiman for capturing my journey from athlete to investor,” Dunne wrote on Instagram, sharing images from the shoot.
The reaction was swift and telling. Among those applauding her achievement were several figures closely tied to Major League Baseball, including Reagan Bregman, Rylie Jones, Katherine Henderson and Blair Reynolds.
Their responses reflected how widely Dunne‘s influence now resonates across different corners of the sporting world.
Dunne‘s rise has been closely linked to the evolution of name, image and likeness opportunities in college sport.
As one of the most recognisable faces of the NIL era, she built a powerful personal brand through partnerships with major companies and a rapidly expanding social media following.
But her latest move suggests a deliberate pivot. The Boardroom feature focuses on her transition into business, highlighting her growing interest in investment and long term brand building.
Central to that is her work off the field, including initiatives like the Livvy Fund, which aims to create more opportunities for female athletes navigating NIL deals.
It’s a project that has helped redefine her image, positioning her as someone actively shaping the future rather than simply benefiting from it.
In that sense, the magazine cover is less about a photoshoot and more about recognition of a broader trajectory.
Presence in baseball spotlight continues to grow
Dunne‘s profile has also expanded through her connection to Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, one of baseball’s brightest young stars.
Their relationship has made her a regular presence around the game, particularly during key moments in Skenes‘ rapidly rising career.
She was among those in attendance at the 101st BBWAA awards dinner in New York earlier this year, where Skenes was honoured following a dominant season.
The right hander’s 2025 campaign, which included a 1.97 ERA and 216 strikeouts, underlined his emergence as a leading figure in the league.
“winner winner cy young dinner!!! @mlb,” Dunne posted afterwards, sharing images from the event.
Her visibility at games has also contributed to her crossover appeal. A viral moment from last season, when she reacted nervously in the stands, became an unexpected talking point online.
Rather than shy away from it, Dunne leaned into the moment, later referencing it humorously on social media.
A defining step in an evolving career
The Boardroom cover feels like a natural next step in a career that has consistently moved beyond traditional boundaries. Dunne‘s ability to blend sport, media and business has set her apart in an increasingly crowded space.
What makes this moment stand out is not just the visibility, but the message behind it. She is no longer simply part of the conversation around athlete branding. She is helping to shape it.
And as the reaction across MLB circles suggests, her latest milestone has only strengthened that position.
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