In a shocking turn of events, Olympic icon Simone Biles has reportedly been dropped by New Balance, a deal that was worth a staggering $22 million. This surprising fallout comes after Biles’ viral confrontation with women’s sports advocate Riley Gaines, igniting a firestorm of controversy and prompting widespread backlash from critics who accuse Biles of abandoning female athletes in favor of a more progressive stance on the debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports.

Biles, who has long been celebrated as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, has been at the center of a heated conversation surrounding the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sports. The debate, which has divided athletes, sponsors, and fans alike, has only intensified in recent months, and Biles’ public comments have made her a key player in this contentious issue. Her viral takedown of Gaines, a fierce advocate for the protection of women’s sports from the perceived unfairness of transgender participation, has clearly had significant consequences for her endorsement deals and public image.

The Takedown That Sparked It All

Simone Biles’ recent viral takedown of Riley Gaines occurred after the former swimmer criticized Biles’ views on transgender athletes competing in women’s events. Gaines, who has been outspoken in her belief that biological women should have the exclusive right to compete in women’s sports, was caught in a public exchange with Biles when the gymnast shared her own perspective on the matter.

Biles, who has previously expressed support for transgender inclusion in sports, responded sharply to Gaines’ arguments, calling out what she viewed as a harmful stance toward the transgender community. “The people who continue to say women’s sports need to be protected from trans women don’t actually see the bigger picture,” Biles posted on social media. “We need inclusivity, not division. Sports should be for everyone.”

The exchange quickly went viral, with both sides of the debate picking up steam. Supporters of Gaines fired back at Biles, accusing her of undermining the very athletes she once championed by dismissing their concerns. Critics argued that Biles, as a role model for young girls in sports, should have been more careful with her words, and that her position on transgender athletes potentially puts women’s rights and fair competition at risk.

Biles, meanwhile, stood her ground. “I’ll stand with my truth,” she said in a later interview, doubling down on her support for transgender athletes and emphasizing that she had a responsibility to speak up for inclusion and equality in sports.

The Fallout: New Balance Cuts Ties

The impact of Biles’ viral stance was swift and severe. Just days after the exchange with Gaines, New Balance, one of Biles’ biggest sponsors, made the decision to cut ties with the gymnast. The multi-million-dollar deal was one of the most lucrative sponsorships of Biles’ career, and her removal from the New Balance family has sent shockwaves through the sports and sponsorship worlds.

The decision to part ways with Biles was described by insiders as a “body slam” in the media, with critics arguing that the brand chose to prioritize marketability and appease a broader, more conservative audience rather than standing by an athlete who had been nothing short of iconic. New Balance, which has long been a champion of women’s sports and empowerment, issued a statement explaining that it was parting ways with Biles in light of her controversial stance on the transgender sports debate.

“We believe in creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for all athletes, and we respect the diversity of perspectives on this important issue,” the company said in its official statement. “However, we believe it’s important for our ambassadors to align with our values in ways that respect both the rights of all athletes and the integrity of women’s sports.”

The Price of Taking a Side in the Trans Sports Debate

For Biles, the decision to take a firm stance on the issue of transgender athletes came with a significant price tag. Losing her New Balance endorsement deal, valued at an estimated $22 million, is undoubtedly a blow to the gymnast’s financial portfolio. However, the true cost of the fallout may not just be monetary. Biles, who has spent years building her reputation as one of the most respected and beloved athletes in the world, now faces a challenging landscape of public opinion.

While many of Biles’ supporters champion her for standing up for inclusion and equality, others see her position as a betrayal of female athletes who fear the competitive imbalance that transgender participation could create. For them, Biles’ comments represent a dismissal of the challenges faced by women in sports, particularly those who have fought for decades to secure fair competition and equal opportunities.

The divide is clear, and Biles now finds herself at the center of a bitter debate that has no easy resolution. While she has undoubtedly earned admiration for her courage to speak out, she has also alienated a significant portion of her fan base and key sponsors, who have called for a more cautious approach to such a contentious issue.

Was It Worth It?

For Simone Biles, the decision to speak out and challenge the status quo was likely made from a place of principle. Her belief in inclusivity and fairness for all athletes, regardless of gender identity, is a deeply held conviction. Yet, the financial and reputational fallout from her comments has left many questioning whether this high-profile stand was worth the cost.

As the world of sports continues to grapple with the complexities of gender and fairness in competition, Biles’ story serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with taking a public position on divisive issues. For some, the loss of a $22 million deal is simply the price of speaking one’s truth. For others, it’s a cautionary tale of how the world of professional sports—and the sponsorship deals that drive it—can be shaped by powerful interests that prioritize marketability over moral conviction.

Simone Biles’ decision to align herself with the trans sports debate may have alienated some, but it has also solidified her role as a controversial figure in the world of sports advocacy. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear—Biles will continue to be a defining voice in the conversation about inclusivity, fairness, and the future of women’s sports. Whether or not that voice will ever be worth another $22 million remains to be seen.