That is really a testament to Josh and how hard hes worked to establish himself as an MVP-caliber player at such an early stage in his career and with two years left on his rookie contract.. Sunisa Lee poses with her gold medal after winning the women's gymnastics all-around title at the Summer Olympics at Ariake Gymnastics Centre on Thursday in Tokyo. If you look at the setup of the storythe greatest of all time bows out and she steps in, wins the gold, gives hopes and dreams to every little girl in Americashe represents hope and aspiration, and thats massively valuable. All Rights Reserved. Until then, and as Paris 2024 quickly approaches, the table is set for Lee and Dressel. Credit: AP Sunisa Lee, of United States, poses for a picture. Lee will participate in the uneven bars final Sunday, followed by the balance beam final Tuesday. However, a key caveat of the new ruling is that non-Olympic sponsors cant mention the Games in their brand advertising, so as to maintain Olympic sponsor exclusivity. Burton also noted that as an Asian American athlete, Lee also embodies diversitya valuable attribute to marketers today. ICE Limitations. Its the medal to win in gymnastics, in the sport that gets the most attention at the Olympics and brings in casual fans that are not necessarily big sports fans, but everybody seems to watch that Its humongous. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. You may opt-out by. She's a favorite to add another medal to her gold in the all-around and team silver during the uneven bars final on Sunday. In the past few months, several players have become the highest paid at their respective positions and on top of that I think the leagues record-setting media rights deals this offseason show how strong the future of the NFL will be.. What does that mean? Lee was thrust onto the worlds stage when she won the all-around after Simone Biles withdrew from the event. Share Post. "Supporting these athletes gives us a chance to connect with members in a new way, support students and rally behind many under-represented collegiate sports," Sam's Club chief merchant Megan Crozier said in a statement. We know its not going to happen overnight, that we are going to grow this organically. But everybody at the top of WME and Endeavor is committed to growing this division and making it the best it can be.. Tags: Recent News Editorial Box. Sportico is a part of Penske Media Corporation. 152 posts. Follow him on Twitter @Tomas_Verde. Whatever endorsements ultimately come through for Lee, at least this much seems clear in the wake of Thursdays gold medal in the all-around her earnings potential could dwarf even some of the biggest names in college sports. I just love the fact thatthank goodness for the NIL, because she doesnt have to make a horrible decision; shes capable of, in her words, I want it all. . Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. Lee didnt flinch under the pressure, turning in the performance of a lifetime with a total score of 57.433 to hold of Brazils Rebeca Andrade for the gold. Lee didnt flinch under the pressure, turning in the performance of a lifetime with a total score of 57.433 to hold of Brazils Rebeca Andrade for the gold. They didn't in the hours after her steady, poised performance on floor exercise helped her soar to the top of the podium. WME BUILDS BASEBALL PRACTICE: WME Sports has quietly built a baseball player representation practice that includes veterans such as the Houston Astros Carlos Correa and potential rookie of the year Garrett Whitlock, who pitches for the Boston Red Sox. Those days are over thanks to recently passed legislation that allows collegiate athletes to make money off their name, image and likeness. As of Thursday afternoon, Lee has surpassed 706,000 followers on Instagram and nearly 73,000 on Twitter numbers that will surely continue to grow. In fact, even Sunis gymnastics hero, Nastia Liukin who is a five-time Olympic medalist herself saw greatness in her. We had begun conversations during the Olympics, St. George told Sports Business Journal. Lee, who is 18, was not previously represented and is about to start her freshman year at Auburn, where she is on the gymnastics team. Brands that want to work with Lee in the immediate aftermath of Tokyo will pay a premium due to her demand, which means cash in her pocket and continued visibility that Burton said creates a sustainable revenue stream for Lees future. Newly minted Olympic gymnastics champion Sunisa Lee says she's still committed to going to college at Auburn. Liz Mullen can be reached [email protected]. Thompson echoed many of the same sentiments, adding that perhaps joining Biles on her sponsor-supported, post-Tokyo Gold Over America Tour could put Lee to an even stronger earning position. But everybody at the top of WME and, I dont think it was too challenging, especially when you look around the league and see most teams are still rewarding their top players, CAA Sports, At CAA Sports, clients are represented by multiple agents. Nurse License Verification. Shes a million dollar baby, Vince Thompson, founder and CEO of sports and marketing agency MELT, said in an interview. Lee, who turns 21 in 2024, could still be in her prime as a gymnast for the next Olympics. For example, if Shareef were to sign a sponsorship deal, his existing Instagram account could earn him $10,820 per sponsored post, according to the Action Network report, the most by any other athlete on its list. Are you a print subscriber? Pressure of Being the Olympic Gold Medalist, How Is She Real: Olympic Champ Suni Lees Unbelievably Flawless Performance in Regardless of where her career continues, marketers expect sponsors to line up to work with Lee the way they did for Biles back in 2016. Thompson said he could see Lee following in Biles footsteps, signing with a brand like Gap-owned Athleta or Canadian athleisure company Lululemon. The gymnasts will continue to have a presence on TV and streaming services through collegiate conference networks, staying relevant with the viewers and brands, Thompson says. And shell do so as one of the most marketable college athletes in the country. Life & Style is part of the a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023. "It's a win-win.". Lee says while she knows she'll have some endorsement opportunities ahead for her, she . Thats the premier event; you win that, youre the best gymnast in the world, Dorfman said. 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Burton also noted that as an Asian American athlete, Lee also embodies diversitya valuable attribute to marketers today. The run-up to the Olympics is a grind at the elite level. Collins co-represents Allen with. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Her career has leapfrogged from there and is doing well in different competitions. She is endorsed by the Pearson+ app right now and has a net worth of a staggering $2 million at just 19 years old. * Please fill out the form below in order to receive your shareable link. That face is changing because new NCAA rules now allow college athletes to monetize their names, images and likenesses, or NIL, as the fast-emerging asset is known. But beyond their competitive success, both Lee and Dressel fit the mold of what Delpy Neirotti calls the ideal Olympian, with brands naturally gravitating to athletes who demonstrate humility, graciousness and family values. thrilling victory in the women's all-around, St. Paul gymnast Sunisa Lee wins all-around title, From Olympic goals to Olympic gold Sunisa Lee's journey, Hmong Minnesotans cheer Lee's Olympic journey, Sunisa Lee battles them all in Olympic quest, Lee leaps toward her Olympic dream and history. Lee, 18, landed her first gold medal Thursday after delivering a gutsy performance in the womens gymnastics all-around final, an event Simone Biles was favored to win before she withdrew, citing her mental health. Team USA gymnast Sunisa Lee took home the gold medal in the women's all-around on Thursday, a victory that some marketers say could come with a seven-figure financial windfall for the 18-year-old. After shedding a few tears of joy at the conclusion of the all-around final while her family watched in celebration back home, Lee sought out the silver medalist, Brazils Rebeca Andrade, and congratulated her. With Simone Biles withdrawing from the gymnastics competition, she took the opportunity to provide a sensational performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Her mother's long-time partner John Lee bred her throughout her life as she keeps his surname. F1 and IndyCar start their seasons, the Rams partner with KAGR and Athletes Unlimited celebrates its anniversary with an expanded Nike partnership. Dressel likely has another Olympics run left as well: He will be 27 at his next Olympic Games. Theres almost always someone who emerges as the fresh new face of the Olympic Games, and it is almost always a female, Burton said. Dressel, who grew up in Green Cove Springs, Florida, and swam at the University of Florida, found his way to the podium five years ago in Rio. Sunisa Lee. A native of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Lee rose to international prominence after a personal tragedy. Lee could now potentially get a branded doll or clothing line, as long as it doesn't incorporate Auburn in the design. And plenty will be possible, including book deals, brand endorsementsand if she chooses to start a gymnastics academy, she could put her name on it, "Suni Lee," Thompson says. Back after returning from Tokyo, she partnered with the Pearson+ app to boost her earnings. S&S represents Russian-born American gymnast Nastia Liukin, who was the 2008 Olympics all-around champion, and Liukin made the introduction to Lee. University of Central Florida sprinter Samieryah Bradwell signed a $10,000 deal with Sam's Club last month. Fill out a booking request form for Sunisa " Suni" Lee, or give us a call at 866-218-5263 to discuss your event. The news, analysis and community conversation found here is funded by donations from individuals. Even without additional gold medals in Tokyo, though, Dorfman believes Lees endorsement potential could rival what Biles made in the wake of the 2016 Olympics based solely off her performance in the all-around and the nature of the sport, with the athletes not hidden behind masks or headgear, making them more recognizable to consumers. Auburn's Sunisa Lee is at the top of her game in the gymnastics world, but that doesn't just go for performance.. A new ranking by On3 detailed the top 10 highest-paid women athletes by NIL in the college landscape, and Lee clocked in at No. No outlets have reported a figure for Suni, but judging by her past and present medal wins, it is clear that she has a sizable income through her sport. "My body just needs time to heal itself," she said. The newly minted Olympic gymnastic champion's plans, however, have not. Khristopher J. Brooks is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering business, consumer and financial stories that range from economic inequality and housing issues to bankruptcies and the business of sports. Deals Money Gifts Travel . For example, when Nike was an official sponsor of the Olympics in years past, an athlete like Biles wouldnt have been able to wear Athleta gear at the Games. By Lee could become the first true litmus test for athletes in traditionally nonrevenue college sports. She was only bested by another gymnast, LSU's Olivia Dunne, who topped the list with 2. . Suni opened up in May about how difficult it was to wait for the Olympics when it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Winning an Olympic gold medal in the women's all-around competition is the most coveted title in gymnastics. Lee will be a case study for years to come," says Vince Thompson, Founder, and CEO of MELT, a sports marketing and branding agency, adding that now, the sky's the limit for her. In advance of the Tokyo Games, the IOC introduced a relaxed version of Rule 40, a provision that protects the Games exclusivity and intellectual property for official Olympic sponsors by limiting other non-sponsor brands from getting involved. Sunisa Lee of Team United States poses with her gold medal after winning the Women's All-Around Final on day six of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre on July 29, 2021 in. Suni Lee propels Auburn onto national stage. product endorsements, or corporate entertainment. She is the first American of Hmong descent to medal at the Olympics. Jeff Graba, Lee's future coach at Auburn, made sure to highlight in his remarks after Lee won the all-around that historically gymnasts who win this title would have to turn pro because they wouldn't be able to make money going to college. Rule 40 is still a work in progress, according to Brant Feldman of American Group Management, which represents Olympic and Paralympic athletes for endorsement deals. But its a sport and an athlete that performed under incredible pressure, especially given everything thats happened leading up to this. In a moment, the American gymnast became the most beloved person on campus before even arriving. Longer term, her gold is even more valuable. Suni Lee's net worth & endorsements From all her earnings, medal victories, and salary, Suni Lee has an estimated net worth of $3 million. Its worth noting that had the Tokyo Games happened last summer as planned, that wouldnt have been the case. . Sports businessexperts have predictedthat individual college athletes could generate tens of thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars in sponsorships and endorsements during their school days. Its a big deal, Auburn gymnastics coach Jeff Graba said. Really ready. She hung in there and now finds herself one of the new faces of her sport and the U.S. Olympic movement. Athlete. All rights reserved (About Us). Dressel, 24, added five gold medals to his trophy case (to go with the two he won at Rio 2016) and not only won swimmings premier Olympic event, the 100-meter freestyle, but powered a Team USA come-from-behind victory in the 4x100 medley relay. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. 2023 Leaders Group. Neither the O'Neal brothers, nor Lee nor Steveson have publicly announced any sponsorship deals so far. Last week, Lee was moving into her college digs at Auburn. Sports agent Blake Baratz on what Suni Lee's win means for her brand. But the 18-year-old will still be able to cash in on her new status as Olympic gold medalist as result of newly loosened NCAA amateurism rules. "I won't be doing any gymnastics. It remains to be seen what kind of endorsements Lee will cash in on, but the 18-year-old will have no shortage of options to take advantage of. The so-called NIL rules that took effect July 1 allow college athletes to strike deals with brands that use their name, image and likeness. It will remain in effect until federal legislation is passed or the NCAA creates permanent rules. Olympic athletes are paid $37,500 per gold medal, $22,500 per silver medal and $15,000 per bronze medal, according to a 2018 report from CNBC. After her successful career, she competed at the 2018 Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships and won the gold medal in the team final competition while also claiming the silver medal for vault, balance beam, and floor exercise. Thats something that Auburn is prepared for. That means Suni will take home $60,000 from Tokyo. The ruling gives way to athletes to leverage their platforms the way influencers do, selling signed autographs, inking endorsements, and by making personal appearances. Flight + Hotel (+Car/Transfers) Flight + Car. She will also rake in appearance and speaking fees for years to come, as she emerges as the Olympic movements next It Girl, a title he says American gymnasts have taken on after successful Summer Games since Retton won gold at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. She is the favorite to win gold on bars, which is her best event, and she is expected to vie for a medal on beam as well, with Graba saying she is fully capable of gold.. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. We take the time to listen and understand the needs of corporations and organizations looking to hire entertainers, musicians, speakers and other creative talent. Follow. The list also includes Shareef's younger brother Shaqir, who plays basketball for Texas Southern University; as well as Spencer Rattler, quarterback for the University of Oklahoma; wrestler Gable Steveson of the University of Minnesota; and Scotty Pippen Jr., son of the former Chicago Bulls player, currently a Vanderbilt University combo guard. - 1 day 2 hours ago. For now, S&S is focused on national deals, but local partnerships from her home state of Minnesota and her new college in Alabama are possible, St. George said. Legal Statement. A year later, she lost her aunt and uncle to Covid-19. Then, she joined the Dancing With The Stars competition and earned a lot of wealth. Normal College-Going Gymnast, Last Year I Was Putting a Lot of Pressure on Myself : 19-Year Old Gymnastic House is represented by agent Kent Matthes, who joined WME from CAA last December and negotiated an above-slot deal with the Nationals. A cemetery posted a personal ad for a goose whose mate died. "It's just a different environment," Lee said. This Olympic and Paralympic cycle also provided both athletes and brands with new marketing opportunities. She attended Auburn University on a gymnastics scholarship and has been a regular there. American gold medalist Sunisa Lee and college basketball star Shareef O'Neal, son of L.A. Lakers legend Shaquille O'Neal, sit atop a list of 30 athletes who sports-betting analytics firm Action Network believes could rake in hundreds of thousands of dollars based on their social media reach alone. For Sunisa Suni Lee and Caeleb Dressel, two of the Tokyo Olympics breakout stars, the road to Paris 2024 is paved with riches. 1.7M followers. Winning medals were on her agenda as she won the gold medal for the all-around event and excited the gymnastics fraternity. Jade Carey will attend Oregon State, Jordan Chiles will start at UCLA, and Grace McCallum will go to Utah. At least 10 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, The Saturday Six: Dental device controversy, scientist's bug find and more, Indonesia fuel depot fire kills 18; more than a dozen missing, Biden had cancerous skin lesion removed last month, doctor says, Tom Sizemore, actor known for "Saving Private Ryan" and "Heat," dies at 61, Defense lawyers in Idaho killings case want gag order kept, Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison for murders of wife and son. University of Miami football players D'Eriq King and Bubba Bolden have each signed $20,000 endorsement deals with College Hunks Hauling Junk, ESPN reported. You have 1 All Access article remaining this month. Lee has racked up nearly double-digit NIL deals, including with high-profile companies like Amazon, Invisalign, Gatorade and Target. Theres almost always someone who emerges as the fresh new face of the Olympic Games, and it is almost always a female, Burton said. After the success she found in gymnastics, she took part in the famous tv reality show Dancing With the Stars. With her masterful gold medal performance amid a whirlwind of attention and emotion caused by Simone Biles withdrawal, Lee now moves into the role of Americas newest face of the Games. Shes forever an Olympian and forever a gold medalist in the tradition of all the great female athletes of past Olympics, Burton said. Other more traditional Olympics sponsors, like Procter and Gamble or the Coca-Cola Company and their family of brands (Coke now owns Core Power through its acquisition of the protein shakes owner, Fairlife LLC), could also be in Lees future.