Amazon Prime is set to premiere “The Money Game,” a groundbreaking docuseries that dives into the world of college athletics at Louisiana State University (LSU). Premiering on September 10, the six-part series offers an unprecedented look at how NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) deals have transformed the lives and careers of top LSU athletes such as Olivia Dunne, Angel Reese, Flau’jae Johnson and Jayden Daniels.
“The Money Game” is not just another sports documentary, it’s a cultural moment that captures the seismic shift that NIL rights have brought to college athletics. With Shaquille O’Neal as executive producer, viewers are promised exclusive access to LSU athletes, from their training camps to their boardroom negotiations.
The docuseries takes a close look at how athletes like Livvy Dunne, a social media sensation and gymnastics powerhouse, have leveraged their social media presence to land lucrative deals with major brands. Angel Reese, the basketball star known as “Bayou Barbie,” shares her journey from leading the Tigers to a national championship to becoming a first-round pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Meanwhile, Jayden Daniels, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2023, talks about his meteoric rise in college soccer, which culminated with his selection as the second overall pick by the Washington Commanders in the 2024 NFL Draft.
But “The Money Game” isn’t all glamour. The series also sheds light on the challenges these athletes face, from the pressures of maintaining their brand to the scrutiny that comes with being in the public eye. As Livvy rightly says in the trailer, “The more eyes on you, the more people try to bring you down.”
Set against the backdrop of LSU’s rich athletic history, with 51 team national championships and a reputation as one of the SEC’s powerhouses, “The Money Game” is a must-see for anyone interested in the future of college sports.
As the NIL era continues to evolve, this series offers a timely exploration of its impact on both athletes and the institutions that support them.