• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Eileen Gu Is One of the Most Marketable Athletes

  • Gu became the youngest gold medalist in Olympic freestyle skiing history.
  • She reportedly made around $15.8 million through her endorsements last year.
Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports/Design: John Regula

Before the Olympics, Eileen Gu was a rising star in the extreme sports world. After winning gold for China, the American-born skier is now a mainstream superstar.

Gu became the youngest gold medalist in Olympic freestyle skiing history after she landed a double cork 1620 in the Games’ first-ever big air event.

It was the first time she attempted the trick in competition and the second time a woman has ever landed it — after France’s Tess Ledeux did so earlier in the same event.

Still just 18, Gu is not only one of the world’s best skiers, but she has an entire second career and is backed by some of the biggest brands on the planet.

  • In addition to her first Beijing medal, Gu has won two golds each at the FIS World Championships and X Games across various disciplines.
  • She holds sponsorship deals with Red Bull, Beats by Dre, and Cadillac, as well as Chinese companies JD.com and China Mobile.
  • Gu is also a fashion model, landing campaigns for Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co., and appearing on covers for Elle and Vogue.

She reportedly averages $2.5 million per endorsement and may have made around $15.8 million through her deals last year.

Gu’s marketability will soar even higher if she continues to perform at a high level on the slopes — she’s the favorite to take home gold in the halfpipe (-250*) but may have to put in more effort to win slopestyle (+275*).

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team United States forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) and Team Canada forward brandon Hagel (38) fight in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre.

Inside the Push for the NHL’s Next Era of International Competition

Players have been clamoring, and the league is all in.
Feb 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Eastern Conference guard Damian Lillard (0) of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after a play during the second half of the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The NBA’s Latest Attempt To Solve the All-Star Game Conundrum

A new mini-tournament on a lame-duck network may not solve the problem.
Dec 22, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) runs with the football before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium.

After Months of Trash-Talking, Noah Lyles and Tyreek Hill Agree to Race

The Olympic sprinter and NFL wideout will race after months of talks.

Featured Today

Jan 9, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) checks Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the third period at PPG Paints Arena

‘Important’ 4 Nations Face-Off Can Be NHL’s All-Star Antidote

“The stars have been lobbying the league for an event like this.”
Brady and Mahomes
February 8, 2025

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
February 7, 2025

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.
February 3, 2025

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.

Several NBA All-Stars Support One-on-One Competition: “Hell Yeah” 

Respondents included Anthony Edwards, Kyrie Irving, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
February 18, 2025

If Cooper Flagg Really Returned to Duke, He Could Delay a $400M..

Flagg is the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
February 18, 2025

Scott Boras Calls Out MLB Owners As Vlad Guerrero Jr. Faces Free..

Boras and Guerrero Jr. are among those looking for bigger spending by teams.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Feb 15, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Osceola Magic guard Mac McClung competes in the slam dunk competition during All Star Saturday Night ahead of the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center
February 16, 2025

Mac McClung’s Dunk Contest Winnings Eclipse His NBA Guaranteed Salary

The three-time dunk contest champion has played just five career NBA games.
February 15, 2025

World’s Top Tennis Player Jannik Sinner Reaches Shockingly Lenient Doping Settlement

Sinner will miss no majors despite facing a two-year suspension.
February 13, 2025

Kelsey Plum Introduced in L.A., Throws Jab at Las Vegas Aces

She won two championships with the Las Vegas Aces.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) talks to the media with his daughter, Jada, after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome.
February 13, 2025

Saquon Barkley Chides Eagles Fans for Booing Taylor Swift: ‘Only Helping’

Barkley made the comments in an interview with Howard Stern on SiriusXM.