When Simone Biles stepped onto the floor at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials, television ratings soared. Her third Olympic team selection brought in an average of 7.6 million viewers for NBC, with the final rotation peaking at 8.2 million. It was a triumphant moment, proof that Biles remains the most magnetic force in American gymnastics. NBC and USA Gymnastics are betting that the excitement Biles has generated over the last decade will carry on long after she leaves competition. Their newly announced media rights deal, extending coverage through 2032, suggests a confidence that gymnastics can thrive well beyond the Paris Games. However, without Biles as the anchor, the future may not be nearly as stable as the network hopes.
Biles has not officially announced her retirement, but she has hinted that Paris may have been her final Olympic run. If that is the case, NBC’s eight-year broadcast extension, stretching a full Olympic cycle past the 2028 Los Angeles Games, suddenly looks far more uncertain. NBC is banking on past success, but the post-Biles era remains unproven. In many ways, gymnastics coverage on NBC has become synonymous with Biles. Her historic accomplishments, personal resilience, and unmatched dominance have brought millions of casual viewers into the sport. No other American gymnast currently generates that level of consistent public interest.
This makes NBC’s long-term commitment a high-stakes gamble. Without Biles, gymnastics may revert to the pre-2016 era, relevant primarily every four years, with sporadic coverage in between. Even USA Gymnastics’ president, Li Li Leung, in announcing the media extension, seemed to lean on recent success: “We are proud to expand coverage of gymnastics over the next eight years.” But that expansion assumes the current fan base will stick around. History says otherwise. Meanwhile, NBC’s shorter, more cautious extension with USA Track & Field through 2028 reflects the opposite approach.
What If the Queen Leaves the Floor?
Imagine a gymnastics world without Simone Biles. Hard to picture, right? The thought of her stepping away from competition might feel like a punch to the gut for fans—and with good reason. Biles isn’t just another gymnast; she’s the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). Her possible retirement sends shockwaves through the entire sports world. But this isn’t just about losing a champion—her absence could cause a ripple effect that impacts everything from gymnastics popularity to the mental health dialogue she so powerfully advanced. Let’s dive deep into why Simone Biles’ retirement could leave more than just an empty podium.
The Face of Gymnastics — Gone?
More Than Medals
Sure, Simone Biles has more gold medals than most gymnasts dream of, but her real impact? It’s bigger. She brought attention, viewership, and credibility back to a sport that often lived in the shadows outside of the Olympics.
Gymnastics Viewership Could Plunge
With Biles out of the picture, networks might struggle to draw the same global audiences. She’s been a ratings magnet—period. No Simone means fewer eyes on the sport.
A Role Model Like No Other
Representation Matters
As a Black woman dominating a historically white sport, Biles has shattered stereotypes and inspired a generation of young gymnasts. Her retirement could dim that light of representation for future athletes of color.
Kids May Lose a Hero
Ask any young gymnast who their hero is—chances are, they’ll say “Simone Biles.” Without her active presence, that inspiration pipeline starts to dry up.
The Impact on Team USA
Losing the Anchor
Biles has been the cornerstone of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team for over a decade. Her absence will create a leadership vacuum that may be hard to fill.
Team Morale Could Drop
Teammates look to her not just for performance but for confidence. Her leadership—on and off the mat—is irreplaceable.
Sponsorships and Commercial Impact
Brands Love Simone
Nike, Athleta, Visa—the list goes on. These companies aren’t just paying for performance; they’re investing in an icon. Without Biles, expect a dip in gymnastics-related brand deals.
Less Star Power, Less Money
Fewer sponsorships mean less financial support for events, teams, and young athletes. This could stall growth and innovation in the sport.
Breaking the Silence on Mental Health
Her Voice Opened Doors
When Biles prioritized her mental health at the Tokyo Olympics, it was a turning point in sports culture. She made it okay for athletes to say, “I need help.”
Will the Conversation Continue?
With her departure, there’s concern that the momentum she created around athlete mental health could lose steam.
Who Can Fill Her Leotard?
New Stars on the Rise
Sure, there are talented gymnasts out there—Sunisa Lee, Jordan Chiles, Shilese Jones—but none carry the same star power just yet.
Pressure on the Next Generation
Young gymnasts may be unfairly compared to Biles, burdening them with unrealistic expectations.
A Marketing and Media Black Hole
Simone = Storylines
Media loves Biles. Every flip, every comeback, every quote makes headlines. Without her, gymnastics may struggle to stay in mainstream news outside the Olympics.
Less Coverage = Less Growth
Media drives popularity. Popularity drives funding. It’s a cycle that could slow dramatically if Biles exits.
The Global Impact
International Respect
Biles is not just an American treasure—she’s a global icon. Her routines are studied, her influence felt in gym clubs from Brazil to Japan.
Global Competitiveness Could Shift
Her absence could shift power balances. Without her, the U.S. may not be as dominant, giving room for other countries to rise.
Gymnastics Innovation May Stall
She Pushed the Boundaries
Simone introduced never-before-seen skills. Without her, we may not see the same level of progression or daring creativity.
The Fear Factor Returns
Other gymnasts might hesitate to attempt ultra-difficult skills, especially without Biles leading the way and showing what’s possible.
Fan Engagement Will Take a Hit
Social Media Buzz Fades
Biles’ Instagram stories and behind-the-scenes Olympic moments kept fans hooked. Her absence means less connection, fewer viral moments.
Casual Fans May Drift Away
She was the name that pulled in people who didn’t normally care about gymnastics. Without her, the sport could lose its broader audience.
The Industry Could Feel the Burn
Ticket Sales Could Drop
Whether it’s the Olympics or a world tour, Biles sells seats. Fewer tickets sold means less funding for gymnastics programs.
Coaching Careers Affected
Many coaches and training centers thrive thanks to the spotlight Simone brought. That could dim significantly post-retirement.
Mental Health Pressure Might Creep Back In
She Set the Bar for Self-Care
Simone showed that saying “no” could be powerful. With her out, athletes might feel pressured to keep pushing through injuries or mental struggles.
Will She Really Retire?
Biles Is Still a Contender
Let’s not forget—she’s still performing skills no one else can. Paris 2024 may not be her last act, but the clock is ticking.
Conclusion: A World Without Simone Biles? Not Yet, Please
Simone Biles isn’t just a gymnast. She’s a movement, a brand, a cultural reset. If she retires, gymnastics won’t collapse—but it will change. Viewership might drop. The mental health conversation could stall. Young athletes may lose their biggest hero.
Let’s be real: no one can replace Simone. Her absence would echo far beyond the vault and balance beam.
The sport needs her. The fans need her. And honestly, the world could use a bit more Simone Biles magic.
