Big-Time Sponsor Is Facing Massive Pressure To Drop Simone Biles

Simone Biles just flipped the script- this time, not on a balance beam but in the middle of a heated culture war. The Olympic legend, known for defying gravity, is now catching heat for defying public opinion, and one of her biggest sponsors is feeling the aftershocks.

Biles clashed online with OutKick contributor Riley Gaines over the issue of transgender inclusion in sports. Her words weren’t soft. She called Gaines a “sore loser” and challenged her to “uplift the trans community” instead of targeting it. That one comment sent ripples across social media, and now Athleta, the women’s activewear giant that’s proudly backed Biles since 2021, is being dragged into the chaos.

Boycott Threats Flood Athleta’s Channels

Athleta, which includes Biles in its Power of She Collective aimed at empowering women, has not released a statement on the controversy. But the pressure is mounting fast. In the hours following the social media feud, angry customers lit up Athleta’s pages with calls to sever ties.

The wave of reactions reveals a deep divide in how fans view the intersection of sports and gender identity. Some are applauding Biles for using her platform to advocate for inclusion. Others feel betrayed by her stance and believe it undermines the integrity of women’s sports.

Biles has not backed down or walked back her comments. Her track record as a vocal advocate for mental health, equity, and athlete welfare suggests she won’t. Whether Athleta chooses to weather the storm or shift course remains to be seen. For now, the brand is in the eye of a culture war it likely didn’t expect to fight this weekend.