False Report Alleges ESPN Signed Simone Biles to $96M Ambassador Deal

Gymnast Simone Biles is not just the best gymnast in the world, she’s also one of the greatest athletes of our generation. After Biles racked up 3 golds and one silver medal during the 2024 Paris Olympics, she’s officially the most-decorated gymnast – male or female – in U.S. history.

While the International Olympic Committee doesn’t give out monetary awards, competing countries do give out medal bonuses. Biles earned $38,000 for each of her gold medals and $23,000 for the silver, per CNBC. Biles makes much more money with sponsorship deals, of which she has many.

While Biles is the brand ambassador for K18, there are reports swirling that she signed a $96 million deal with ESPN to be the network’s global ambassador. However, there is zero proof to back this up. Neither ESPN nor The Walt Disney Channel, which owns the basic cable sports channel along with Hearst Communications, have made this announcement. There aren’t even reputable reports regarding a rumored partnership between Biles and ESPN.

If Biles signed an unprecedented contract with ESPN, one that rivaled what the network pays Pat McAfee, Stephen A. Smith, or Troy Aikman, the press release would have gone viral across multiple national news networks.

A fan club account shared the fake news on Facebook on August 23, which racked up over 92,000 likes and spread across other social channels. A blog post shared in the comments was meant to read like a press release from ESPN, however, no ESPN press release exists regarding Biles and the network.

While it would be incredible for Biles to have a prominent role with ESPN once she officially retires from gymnastics, she has not officially retired. Next up for Biles, headlining the Gold Over America Tour, which kicks off next month.

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Source: CNBC