Livvy Dunne Denied Iconic Babe Ruth Apartment

Former LSU gymnast and influencer Livvy Dunne—knownestimated** $9.5 million in NIL earnings—revealed she had a deal to purchase a $1.59 million Upper West Side co-op once owned by baseball legend Babe Ruth ([turn0news10], [turn0search0]). The iconic three-bedroom, 2½-bath property in the 1915-built 345 W. 88th St building held personal and historical allure for Dunne.

She and MLB pitcher boyfriend Paul Skenes had planned to move in and even hired an interior designer. But days before receiving the keys, the co-op board voted against approval, denying the sale outright ([turn0news10]).

💼 Making $9.5M: Dunne’s Wealth Profile

Livvy’s ability to pay all cash for a multimillion-dollar Manhattan property isn’t accidental—it’s earned:

• Name, Image, Likeness (NIL): She maximized NCAA earnings, reportedly bringing in $9.5 million from branding, sponsorships, and merchandise ([turn0news10]).
• Social media presence: With over 8 million TikTok followers and 1M+ on Instagram, she commands high-value sponsored posts, brand campaigns, and product partnerships.
• Modeling and media: Recent exposure as SI Swimsuit cover model has elevated her profile, leading to paid appearances and publishing opportunities.

This level of income grants access to high-end real estate—but approval isn’t guaranteed.

🗽 The Appeal of Babe Ruth’s Former Residence

Owning the former home of baseball icon Babe Ruth is more than buying square footage—it’s purchasing narrative and exclusivity:

• Legacy value: Residence of “The Sultan of Swat” from 1920 to 1940
• Architectural charm: Oak floors, high ceilings, modernized interior
• Upper West Side prestige: Proximity to Riverside Park and Manhattan’s cultural hubs

Livvy saw this purchase as a unique way to symbolize her personal brand: combining athletic excellence with historic elegance.

😞 Boardroom Rejection: When Cash Isn’t Enough

Despite having full financial ability (“It wasn’t financial,” she said), the co-op board rejected her application. Dunne shared:

The board refused to comment, and Dunne herself quipped:

Behind the public statement lies the reality that co-op boards wield discretionary power, even in all-cash deals involving high-profile buyers.

📸 Lifestyle & Brand Implications

Though this didn’t go through, Dunne’s intent reveals elements of her strategic brand-building:

• All-cash move: Demonstrates liquidity and serious commitment
• Interior design vision: Brings interior experts to design the space—reflecting lifestyle focus
• Content-centric real estate: High-end NYC location would provide prime content backdrop for fitness/luxury partnerships

Buying—or even bidding—for this apartment communicates ambition and sophistication consistent with her brand.

💡 Distinct Athlete Angle

At Distinct Athlete, we see this as a pivotal milestone in Livvy’s evolution from athlete to lifestyle influencer:

1. Wealth meets image: A $1.6M home bid shows the power of NIL for shaping aspirational lifestyles
2. Visibility vs acceptance: Physical purchase failed—but the attempt itself is powerful brand content
3. Next steps matter: Focusing on properties that align with image—visibility and brand narrative—will be her edge

This boardroom snub won’t shake her brand momentum—it sets a foundation for smarter property moves next.

🌍 What Comes Next?

Here’s how Livvy can turn this into opportunity:

• Public narrative control: Frame this as a “celebrity test” that didn’t fit—sparking renewed interest
• Next target: Consider townhouse in Miami or LA—still aspirational but with different approval structures
• Content pivot: “Show what it takes to land a NYC co-op”—a relatable journey for young audiences
• Co-ownership models: Partner with investor groups—or Skenes—to signal financial maturity

Each option positions her as forward-thinking—an influencer who’s more than flash.

💬 Join the Conversation

Would you buy your first home with cash but still get rejected? Should influencers consider their real estate decisions as brand moves?

Share your take through @DistinctAthlete on Instagram, X, or Facebook, using #LivvyHomeRun.

🔗 Related Reads on Distinct Athlete

➡️ Caitlin Clark’s Commercial Rise: From College Star to Brand Force
➡️ Magic Johnson’s Real Estate Empire & Athlete Wealth Expansion
➡️ Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander’s $285M Deal & Smart Asset Decisions