Honestly, it feels like forever ago when people were just whispering about the "mystery girl" in the stands during the 2023 College World Series. But here we are in early 2026, and the relationship between Paul Skenes and Livvy Dunne has morphed from a college romance into a full-blown cultural phenomenon.
They’re basically the sports world’s answer to a blockbuster crossover event. You’ve got a guy who throws a baseball 102 mph and a girl who literally changed the financial landscape for every female college athlete in the country. It’s a lot. And yet, somehow, they’ve managed to stay surprisingly normal—or as normal as you can be when you’re winning Cy Young awards and signing with Wasserman.
How it Actually Started: The LSU Connection
Forget the "met at a club" tropes. The truth is way more relatable. They were just two kids at Louisiana State University who happened to have mutual friends. Paul’s best friend and roommate was dating Livvy’s roommate. It was a classic double-date setup that just happened to involve two of the most famous people on campus.
Skenes was the terrifying ace of the Tigers' rotation, and Dunne was already a social media titan and a standout on the gymnastics mat. But it wasn't just about fame. Livvy recently shared a TikTok about an "invisible string" moment—realizing she had actually attended a game where Paul was playing back when he was still at the Air Force Academy. They were in the same place at the same time years before they actually spoke.
The Mustache (or Lack Thereof) and the "Baby Face" Era
If you follow them on social media, you know the mustache was basically its own character. Skenes’ signature facial hair became a symbol of his dominance on the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates. But as we kicked off 2026, he decided to ditch it.
Livvy’s reaction? Pure gold. She posted a TikTok on New Year’s Day with the "She's bald!" audio, calling him a "baby face cutie." It’s these little, goofy moments that make them feel like a real couple rather than just two brands mashed together. They aren't afraid to poke fun at the intense media scrutiny they face.
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Dominating the Professional World
While their relationship makes headlines, their individual careers are what give them such staying power.
Paul Skenes: The New King of the Mound
Let’s look at what Paul did in 2025. He didn't just play; he dominated.
- He won the National League Cy Young Award.
- He maintained a 1.97 ERA over 187.2 innings.
- He struck out 216 batters.
People were worried about a "sophomore slump" after his 2024 Rookie of the Year campaign, but he basically laughed at that idea. He’s become the cornerstone of the Pirates' franchise. When he pitches, the energy in Pittsburgh shifts. It’s "Skenes Day," and even people who don't like baseball tune in to see if he’ll touch triple digits again.
Livvy Dunne: Life After the Leotard
For Livvy, 2025 was a year of massive transition. She officially retired from competitive gymnastics after a legendary run at LSU that included a national championship in 2024. But if you thought she was going to fade away, you haven't been paying attention.
She signed with Wasserman, the powerhouse agency, and is now leaning full-tilt into media, modeling, and business. She’s the blueprint for NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness). She didn't just take the money; she built an empire that includes deals with Vuori, Fanatics, and Motorola. Her "Livvy Fund" continues to help other female athletes at LSU navigate the business world she helped create.
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Managing the Chaos of Fame
It’s not all red carpets and private jets (though Paul reportedly gets those for her so she can make it to his starts on time). Skenes has been vocal about how hard it is to just go to a game or a restaurant without it becoming a spectacle. He once told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that it "irks" him that she can't just enjoy a baseball game like a regular fan.
They’ve had to set hard rules. One of them? A "two-way road" policy. They don't restrict each other's careers or movements. They understand that at 23, they both have massive jobs to do. That level of maturity is probably why they’re still going strong while other "influencer" couples burn out in six months.
The Financial Reality of a Power Couple
In late 2025, reports estimated their combined net worth at somewhere between $10 million and $12 million.
- Paul Skenes: His $9.2 million signing bonus from the Pirates set the foundation, and his endorsements are finally starting to catch up to his on-field performance.
- Livvy Dunne: She was the highest-paid female college athlete for years, consistently earning over $4 million annually through NIL.
They aren't just rich; they’re influential. When Livvy posts an ad for Fanatics or Paul wears a certain brand, things move. They’ve become the first real example of how a professional athlete and a digital-native creator can build a life together that bridges the gap between old-school sports fans and the TikTok generation.
What’s Next for Paul and Livvy?
As we move deeper into the 2026 MLB season, the focus is on Paul’s quest for back-to-back Cy Youngs and Livvy’s expansion into more traditional entertainment roles. They’ve moved past being a "rumored couple" and are now firmly established as the most recognizable pair in American sports.
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If you’re looking to follow their lead—whether in sports or in building a personal brand—there are a few takeaways from how they’ve handled the spotlight:
- Protect your peace: They keep the most intimate parts of their relationship off-camera.
- Support goes both ways: You’ll see Paul at gymnastics events and Livvy at the ballpark, even when their schedules are grueling.
- Diversify your value: Both have proven they are more than just "the athlete" or "the influencer."
The "baby face" era of Paul Skenes is just beginning, and with Livvy by his side, the Pirates might have the most famous fan base in the league for a long time to come.
Actionable Next Steps
To keep up with the latest on this power couple without falling for the clickbait, follow the official Pittsburgh Pirates game logs for Paul’s performance and check Livvy Dunne's verified social channels for her business updates. For those interested in the business of sports, monitoring On3 Sports will give you the most accurate data on how their market value continues to shift as they move further into their professional careers.