At the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City on June 23, 2025, Olivia Dunne executed a $2,850 purchase of a Paul Skenes ultra-rare card, causing seasoned dealers to second-guess their strategy. The limited-edition rookie card, part of a run of only five, featured Skenes in an exclusive Japanese anime style.
The sale stood out not for loud negotiation tactics or social media spectacle, but for Dunne’s composed and informed approach. Known widely for her gymnastics career at LSU and her digital prowess, she approached the deal without theatrics, referencing comparable sales to negotiate confidently. This calm but pointed tactic unsettled the dealers, shifting the usual power dynamics in the marketplace.
How Dunne’s Strategy Shifted the Dealers’ Confidence
The dealers initially believed they could command the full asking price of $3,000 without resistance. However, Dunne brought evidence of a similar card from the same series selling for $2,200, immediately prompting hesitation. When the dealers tried to strengthen their position by emphasizing the card’s rarity, Dunne paused before offering $2,850—a price that balanced assertiveness with fairness. The dealers accepted, visibly affected by the unexpected negotiation.
Observers noted a significant change in posture among the sellers as the transaction unfolded, signaling a subtle but meaningful disruption. Rather than being swept along by fanfare or superficial hype, Dunne’s informed and measured demeanor highlighted the importance of preparation in the high-stakes sports memorabilia world.
Olivia Dunne’s Athletic Background Supports Her Shrewd Moves
Dunne’s presence at Fanatics Fest was purposeful. She had recently wrapped her final season with LSU gymnastics, contributing to the team’s national title victory through standout performances, including two meets where she scored 9.900. Her competitive mindset on the gymnastics floor parallels her calm and strategic approach in negotiating the Paul Skenes ultra-rare card trade.
Transitioning from athletic competition to the collectibles arena, Dunne showed she’s more than a guest in this environment—she is a knowledgeable participant well versed in the stakes and value of exclusivity.
Paul Skenes’ Rising Career Adds Weight to the Card’s Appeal
The card’s subject, Paul Skenes, continues to amass recognition as a top MLB prospect. After securing the number one pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, he signed a record $9.2 million contract and debuted for the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 11, 2024. Skenes’ rookie season boasts a remarkable 1.69 ERA and 209 strikeouts, reflecting his dominance on the mound. His collegiate career at LSU and previous tenure with the Air Force Academy established a solid foundation that enhances the card’s desirability.
Skenes and Dunne’s recent public appearances supporting LSU’s baseball team underscore their ongoing athletic relevance, yet the interaction at Fanatics Fest highlights a more nuanced story of expertise and negotiation outside the competitive field.
A Rare Moment Reflecting the Changing Landscape of Sports Memorabilia
This deal between Dunne and the dealers captured an uncommon moment where knowledge and calm decisiveness outplayed typical bravado. The exchange demonstrated how familiarity with market details and a clear focus can upend expectations in an industry often dominated by spectacle and fame. Olivia Dunne’s approach serves as a reminder that even amidst celebrity impact and flash, preparation remains key.
From Gymnastics to Unexpected Mishap: Dunne’s Soccer Kick Incident
Earlier that year, Olivia Dunne experienced a contrasting moment of chaos at a public event that contrasted sharply with her controlled card negotiation. Attempting a playful soccer trick shot, she accidentally sent the ball flying into what appeared to be a replica FIFA World Cup trophy, knocking it over and sparking shock from onlookers. The incident quickly circulated online, capturing a mixture of disbelief and humor as Dunne fled the scene without assessing the damage.
The video highlighted the unplanned nature of the moment, prompting fans to question the authenticity of the trophy placement. Some viewers deemed the act disrespectful given the upcoming World Cup, while others simply saw it as a viral mishap. Regardless, this unintended blunder became a viral footnote in Dunne’s growing public persona.
“There’s no way that’s the real World Cup,” —Fan
Balancing Calculated Moves with Viral Moments
While Olivia Dunne’s soccer incident might have earned her playful ridicule and meme status, her Paul Skenes ultra-rare card trade exemplifies a different form of influence—measured, precise, and grounded in expertise. Whether negotiating high-value collectibles or navigating public sporting spectacles, Dunne’s multifaceted presence reveals the evolving nature of athlete-celebrity interactions across various domains.
Her ability to assert control quietly, as seen in the trade at Fanatics Fest, challenges assumptions about athlete involvement in sports commerce and reflects broader shifts in how value and authority are negotiated in these spaces.