Why Simone Biles Left An Estimated $1.6M In Monthly Earnings On The Table With Nike

Nike Deal
As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the most decorated gymnast in history signed an endorsement deal with Nike in 2015, believing the brand was a great fit for women athletes. Nike has represented some of the greatest athletes in the world, including Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant, per the outlet.

As an Olympian, Biles represented Nike at the 2016 Rio Games and was featured in its video and print advertisements, WWD reported. She was making as much as $1.6 million a month through the deal, according to Essentially Sports. In 2021, Biles made it clear why she decided to part ways with Nike just three months before the Tokyo Olympics. She wasn’t chasing a check. Instead, she was seeking alignment with her personal values, more support, and greater creative input, according to Marca.

This led to her signing a long-term partnership with Gap Inc.–owned Athleta in 2021, a performance lifestyle brand that was far smaller than Nike. Essentially Sports shared that Athleta was valued at $419 million, which was 0.2% of Nike’s valuation. The brand, however, was mighty in its support of Biles when she had to exit the Tokyo Olympics to prioritize her mental health, according to Reuters. 2021 was also the year Biles took to court to share her testimony on the widespread sexual abuse by USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, NBC reported.

“We stand by Simone and support her well-being both in and out of competition,” Athleta Chief Brand Officer Kyle Andrew said in a statement about Biles’ exit from the Olympics, per Reuters. “Being the best also means knowing how to take care of yourself. We are inspired by her leadership today and are behind her every step of the way.”

Athleta’s support for Biles translated beyond her being an athlete, which influenced her decision to enter into business with the company that also upholds inclusivity. The deal additionally includes sponsorship opportunities that allow Biles to have “honest conversations” with young girls and women, per WWD.

“I felt like it wasn’t just about my achievements, it’s what I stood for and how [Nike wasn’t] going to help me use my voice and also be a voice for females and kids,” she said, according to the outlet. “I feel like [Athleta supports] me not just as an athlete, but just as an individual outside of the gym and the change that I want to create.”

The deal with Athleta included a chance for Biles to work alongside the company’s design team on signature products as well. Her performance line debuted through its Athleta Girl brand in 2022 and catered to girls 6–12, Essence reports. She called the collaboration “a dream come true” and sees it as another opportunity to inspire the next generation, the outlet noted.

The launch was supported in the metaverse through a kid-safe campaign on Roblox, intentionally targeting Gen Alpha, according to information shared by PMG. Later, a back-to-school campaign launched, featuring a Simone Biles avatar and a virtual storefront with 15 Athleta Girl outfits. The presence in the metaverse led to 1 million clothing redemptions, per the outlet.

What’s more, Athleta noted that its recent quarterly earnings increased by 37% compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to PMG. The Athleta Girl line was an indicator of a “powerful growth driver and key contributor.”

Latest Collection
Biles now has a second signature collection with Athleta, released in November 2025, which includes a sateen bucket bag, soft hoodies, performance-ready tights, barrel-leg sweats, and leggings, Refinery29 reports.