Livvy Dunne calls out NCAA, gymnastics scoring system over depressed turnout

Livvy Dunne called out the powers that be of NCAA gymnastics about some concerns over the sport.

Specifically, Dunne noticed the lack of attendance in general for gymnastics meets throughout the college level. She combined that fact with confusion when it comes to scoring and judges taking away from what is exciting and fair for fans to watch in person and on television.

She explained in a lengthy post on Twitter Sunday evening.

“I am sitting here watching NCAA gymnastics and the empty seats are concerning,” Dunne wrote on Twitter. “I care deeply about the growth in women’s sports especially in the NCAA. If you want fans to enjoy the sport and increase viewership, you have to look at what makes the crowds go crazy! People understand what a perfect 10 is and want people who do things that look great to be rewarded. 

“Too many deductions taken at a judge’s discretion feels the same as watching a basketball game that’s constantly interrupted with penalties or a football game with flags on every play. At some point it feels negative and loses the entertainment factor that draws the crowd in. The number of questions I am currently getting from fans about the scoring is significant enough for me to share this concern. I love the art and intricacy of gymnastics but let’s get more eyes on the sport!”

Livvy Dunne calls out NCAA gymnastics

It would have been understandable if Dunne chose not to return to LSU and instead capped her gymnastics career on a national championship. After all, for someone who has found success in and out of the gym, it would have been a great way to finish her competitive career.

Still, Dunne chose to return to LSU and compete in the 2025 gymnastics season as a fifth-year senior, a decision that Tigers coach Jay Clark is clearly happy with as he broke down where she stands in her final season.

“Liv did a great job,” Clark said. “Liv does a great job any time we’ve needed her. I think she’s proven that she’s able to go at a moment’s notice.”

LSU opened up its 2025 season and national championship defense with a 197.300-194.100 win over Iowa State earlier this month. That meet was held in Baton Rouge and saw Livvy Dunne compete on the balance beam and the floor exercise. She scored a 9.825 on the beam and 9.875 on the floor. Clark even had her prepare as an alternate on the uneven bars.

Dunne has become one of the best known college sports figures during her time at LSU. With that, she has an On3 NIL Valuation of $4.2 million. That comes from a proprietary algorithm that combines roster value and NIL value of an athlete. That puts Dunne fifth on the On3 NIL 100 list and makes her the highest-valued female athlete.

If there’s anyone who can potentially make a long term impact on the sport for the better, it might be Dunne.