Fact Check: Did New Balance Drop Simone Biles? Unpacking The $22 Million Contract Rumor

The short and definitive answer to the question "Did New Balance drop Simone Biles?" is a resounding NO. As of December 2025, the viral story claiming that the athletic footwear giant terminated a multi-million-dollar contract with the Olympic champion is entirely false. This rumor, which spread rapidly across social media platforms, was a piece of fabricated content originating from a satirical source, leading to widespread confusion among fans and media outlets.

This article will not only debunk the New Balance claim but also provide a deep dive into Simone Biles's actual, highly lucrative endorsement portfolio, which continues to thrive ahead of major competitions. Understanding her current partnerships is key to grasping the financial powerhouse that the most decorated American gymnast in history has become.

Simone Arianne Biles Owens: Biography and Career Milestones

Simone Biles is not just a gymnast; she is a cultural icon whose career redefined the sport. Her journey is marked by unprecedented success and a powerful commitment to mental health advocacy.

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• Full Name: Simone Arianne Biles Owens (née Biles)
• Date of Birth: March 14, 1997
• Place of Birth: Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
• Spouse: Jonathan Owens (married 2023)
• Olympic Medals: 7 (4 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze)
• World Championship Medals: 30 (23 Gold, 4 Silver, 3 Bronze)
• Key Feats: Most decorated American gymnast and the most decorated gymnast in World Championships history. She is the first woman to land a Yurchenko double pike vault in competition.
• Major Career Shifts: Famously withdrew from several events at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 to prioritize her mental health, sparking a global conversation.
• Current Status: Training and competing, with a strong focus on the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The Truth Behind the New Balance 'Dropped' Rumor

The sensational claim that New Balance ended a massive contract with Simone Biles is a textbook example of misinformation spreading online. The rumor gained traction around a period of public controversy, but a closer look reveals its complete lack of authenticity.

The Satirical Origin of the Story

The core of the rumor involved a supposed "$22 Million Contract" that New Balance allegedly terminated. Investigations have confirmed that this story did not come from a credible news source, but rather from a satirical Facebook page.

• The Fabrication: The Facebook page, which often posts content with a disclaimer for satire, fabricated quotes attributed to a New Balance spokesperson.
• Misinformation Amplified: Despite the satirical origin, the story was quickly shared and re-reported by users who failed to check the source's credibility or disclaimer, leading many to believe it was a genuine news break.
• No Major Partnership Existed: Crucially, Simone Biles does not have, nor has she had, a major apparel endorsement deal with New Balance. Her primary, long-term apparel sponsor is a direct competitor.

The Context: Endorsement Scrutiny and Public Spats

The false claim about New Balance surfaced during a time when Biles was facing public scrutiny following a social media exchange with former NCAA swimmer and women's rights activist, Riley Gaines, regarding the inclusion of transgender athletes in sports.

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While this public spat led to some calls for a boycott by a small segment of fans, claims that the Olympic champion lost multi-million-dollar endorsements due to her statements were also proven false. Her major sponsors have stood by her.

Simone Biles's Actual Endorsement Powerhouse: A List of Current Major Sponsors

Far from being dropped, Simone Biles continues to command one of the most powerful and diverse endorsement portfolios in sports. Her ability to attract and retain major brands is a testament to her global recognition, record-breaking career, and authenticity.

Her estimated annual earnings from endorsements alone were approximately $7 million in 2023, and this figure is expected to grow significantly leading into the Paris 2024 Olympics.

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The Core Apparel Partnership: Athleta

In 2021, Biles made a highly publicized and strategic move by leaving Nike to sign with Athleta, a subsidiary of Gap Inc. This partnership is central to her endorsement strategy and demonstrates her commitment to a more purpose-driven brand relationship.

• Athleta: Her primary apparel sponsor, where she serves as a partner, not just a spokesperson. She has a signature collection and a shared focus on female empowerment and mental well-being.

Financial and Tech Giants

Her portfolio includes some of the world's most recognizable brands, highlighting her broad appeal beyond the gymnastics world.

• Visa: A long-standing partner, often featuring her in Olympic-focused campaigns.
• Uber Eats: Part of a major campaign focusing on food delivery and convenience.
• United Airlines: A partnership reflecting her status as a global traveler and Olympic athlete.
• MasterClass: Offering an online course where she teaches gymnastics fundamentals and shares her mental approach to competition.

Beauty, Wellness, and Consumer Goods

Simone Biles's influence extends into the beauty and consumer packaged goods (CPG) sectors, showcasing her marketability across diverse industries.

• SK-II: A Japanese luxury skincare brand, part of their global "Beauty is #NOCOMPETITION" campaign.
• K18: A recent addition to her portfolio, signing a two-year ambassadorial agreement with the hair care brand in 2024.
• Hershey's: A major CPG partnership, often utilizing her image for promotional chocolate products.
• GK Elite: A partnership with a leading gymnastics apparel company, connecting directly to her sport.

The Takeaway: Why the Rumor Persisted

The persistence of the New Balance rumor, despite a clear lack of evidence, is a strong indicator of how quickly misinformation can spread, especially when tied to a high-profile athlete and a controversial topic. The narrative of an athlete being "dropped" is designed to be clickbait, playing on public curiosity.

In reality, Simone Biles's brand remains one of the strongest in sports. Her endorsements with Athleta, Visa, Uber Eats, and others are secure and flourishing, positioning her perfectly for the next chapter of her decorated career. The New Balance story is nothing more than a debunked, satirical fabrication.