Michael Ehrlich

Los Angeles

Editor and Writer at Sports Illustrated

#GIRLDAD • Brand Builder x Storyteller • NIL & Sneakers Writer - On SI, a part of @SINow • Adjunct Professor, @USC • [email protected]

Articles

USC Trojans Athletics Expands NIL Footprint with Learfield Partnership

3 weeks ago | si.com | Michael Ehrlich

After a somewhat disappointing first season in the Big Ten Conference, USC is leveling up their NIL efforts on the football and basketball recruiting trails and via a groundbreaking partnership with college sports' leading media and technology brand.
LSU NIL Trailblazer Livvy Dunne Announces Smiling New Partnership

3 weeks ago | si.com | Michael Ehrlich

Ahead of her appearance at the upcoming AthleteCon 2.0 NIL event, former LSU gymnast and trailblazer in the space Livvy Dunne has added a new partnership to her diverse brand portfolio. The Tiger great announced via Instagram that she has signed with Invisalign, highlighting how the orthodontic treatment brand helps give her confidence in the gym or walking the red carpet.
Top LSU Wide Receiver Recruit Joins adidas NIL Roster

3 weeks ago | si.com | Michael Ehrlich

With one more season of high school football ahead for the LSU-committed Tristen Keys, the top wide receiver recruit in the 2026 class is joining a new team off the field. The Hattiesburg, Miss.-native has signed a NIL partnership with adidas, as the latest top prospect on the brand's growing high school football roster. Keys is the newest signing for adidas, who counts fellow top receiver recruits Chris Henry Jr. and Kayden Dixon-Wyatt as NIL endorsers.
Florida Gators' Transfer Xaivian Lee Signs Historic NIL Sneaker Deal

1 month ago | si.com | Michael Ehrlich

The defending national champion Florida basketball team received a major boost in their upcoming title defense when Princeton star guard Xaivian Lee transferred to the Gators in April. Now, the former two-time All-Ivy League honoree is capitalizing on his move to Gainesville in the form of a historic NIL deal.
AthleteCon NIL Event Returns with Livvy Dunne Support

1 month ago | si.com | Michael Ehrlich

With NIL approaching it's fourth birthday, the leading content educator in the space is expanding her student-athlete event to new heights. Sam Green's AthleteCon returns to Charlotte for year two of a unique and exclusive experience that provides tangible and actionable value for college athletes across the country.
USC Legend Keyshawn Johnson Predicts Eight-Figure NIL Rate for Himself

1 month ago | si.com | Michael Ehrlich

Throughout his illustrious career on the football field and across media, Keyshawn Johnson remains one of the most outspoken voice in sports. Had he played at USC during the NIL era, he would surely be one of the top earners in the country. The former Trojan All-American and eventual No. 1 NFL Draft selection recently dove deep on the current landscape and his own potential NIL earnings with New England Patriots' Hall of Farmer Julian Edelman.
Kansas All-American Explores Potential Career Change in LinkedIn NIL Deal

1 month ago | yardbarker.com | Michael Ehrlich

Kansas All-American Hunter Dickinson is an anomaly across the board. The 7-foot-2 center actually began his collegiate career prior to NIL and has since grown into one of the most prolific brand ambassadors across the country, while remaining one of the most outspoken and polarizing players in the game. Now, after the 24-year-old completed his "super senior" season for the Jayhawks, Dickinson has added a new partnership that will set him up for success, even if the NBA doesn't pan out.
Kansas All-American Jokes at Potential Career Change in LinkedIn NIL Deal

1 month ago | si.com | Michael Ehrlich

Kansas All-American Hunter Dickinson is an anomaly across the board. The 7-foot-2 center actually began his collegiate career prior to NIL and has since grown into one of the most prolific brand ambassadors across the country, while remaining one of the most outspoken and polarizing players in the game. Now, after the 24-year-old completed his "super senior" season for the Jayhawks, Dickinson has added a new partnership that will set him up for success, even if the NBA doesn't pan out.
HOKA's Most Iconic Trail Running Shoe is Back and Better Than Ever

1 month ago | si.com | Michael Ehrlich

Global running powerhouse HOKA first introduced their original trail shoe - the Mafate - 15 years ago and has now released the latest iteration built for modern ultra racing. This trend has taken over the industry. The Santa Barbara-based brand's latest launch - the Mafate X ($225) - combines comfort, control, and traction and is designed for long-haul adventures.
USC National Player of the Year JuJu Watkins Adds New NIL Partnership

1 month ago | si.com | Michael Ehrlich

USC guard JuJu Watkins had a sophomore season for the record books. The consensus National Player of the Year and All-American led the Women of Troy to a 31-4 record and No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, while continuing to set the pace as one of the most prolific college athletes in NIL. With historic brand partnerships — such as Nike, State Farm and Gatorade — a documentary series on NBC, celebrity fans like Snoop Dogg and murals throughout Los Angeles, Watkins is the face of the sport.