LSU Gymnast Livvy Dunne Files Objection vs. NCAA Settlement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Jan 31, 2025 7:17 PM ET

LSU star gymnast and NIL innovator Livvy Dunne filed an objection to the recent House vs. NCAA settlement.

In October, a court decision awarded $2.77 billion in damages to thousands of college athletes over ten years. Schools will also move forward with a revenue-sharing model, allowing them to spend about $20.5 million annually on their athletes.

Dunne's objection states, "I have listed major deficiencies with the structure of the proposed Settlement. As such I object to the Settlement the following grounds:"

The 22-year-old gymnast then listed seven bulleted points over the two-page filing.

The first point reads, "There is a lack of transparency to how the calculations are being made for the estimate of lost NIL opportunities and if the same formula is being applied to all athletes across every sport. If I were to hire a law firm to represent me individually in this matter, I would want to know how the valuation of damages was calculated specifically to me. This seems not to be the case.

And here's a letter objecting to the House settlement filed by LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne. pic.twitter.com/t5gpLrIedj
— Sam C. Ehrlich (@samcehrlich) January 31, 2025

"Especially in a case where the school provided no NIL data, athletes could not upload their own data to adjust and correct their estimate without filing a claim and waiving their right to opt out of the damages class. This left the athlete to have to make a decision without accurate information."

The House vs. NCAA settlement also includes language that would require NIL deals over a certain threshold to be approved by a clearinghouse. Dunne objects to this part of the agreement over privacy and confidentiality concerns.

This concern is summarized in Dunne's final bullet in her objection.

"Submissions of itemized NIL deals need to be sealed,” the filing states. “Third party companies that partner with athletes are not parties to this suit. Forcing athletes to disclose deal information would violate non-disclosure, confidentiality and trade secret covenants.”

Dunne's NIL valuation of $4.2 million per On3 is fourth highest on their list, behind only Texas quarterback Arch Manning, Duke quarterback Cooper Flagg and Miami quarterback Carson Beck.

Per Sam C. Ehrlich, 67 athletes have opted out of the settlement.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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