In this latest Brand & Athlete exclusive, Jay Hicks and Keith Miller sit down with Sam Ehrlich, a professor at Boise State and former sports agent, to delve deep into the rapidly changing world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). With his extensive background in sports law and athlete representation, Sam offers a unique perspective on the current NIL landscape, the legal challenges athletes and institutions face, and the opportunities available for those who know how to navigate this space.
Whether you’re an athlete looking to protect your interests, a coach trying to stay compliant, or a brand wanting to collaborate with athletes, this episode is packed with invaluable insights that can help you understand and succeed in this evolving space.
Why You Should Watch This Episode:
This conversation with Sam Ehrlich is not just an academic discussion — it’s a practical guide for anyone involved in NIL. Sam’s expertise brings clarity to many of the issues facing athletes today, from contract disputes to compliance concerns, and how to avoid the common pitfalls. Whether you’re just starting to explore NIL opportunities or you’re a seasoned professional, Sam provides clear and actionable advice for making smart, informed decisions.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding the Legal Side of NIL: Sam breaks down some of the most pressing legal challenges in the NIL space, including contract disputes, compliance with NCAA rules, and what athletes need to know to protect themselves.
- The Importance of Having Contracts in Writing: Using real-world examples, Sam stresses the need for clear contracts in NIL deals to avoid costly misunderstandings and disputes.
- Balancing Opportunities and Risk: Sam explains how to weigh the benefits of NIL deals against the risks, especially when navigating agreements that involve multiple parties, like universities, brands, and collectives.
- Navigating the Future of NIL: Get Sam’s take on where the NIL landscape is heading, and what athletes, brands, and institutions can do now to prepare for the future.
Time Codes:
- 0:00-5:00 – Introduction to Sam Ehrlich and his background as a former sports agent and Boise State professor.
- 10:00-15:00 – How Sam applies his legal expertise to the evolving NIL landscape.
- 20:00-25:00 – Insights into the major NIL disputes and their impact on the sports industry.
- 30:00-35:00 – Sam’s perspective on the future of NIL and its implications for athletes and institutions.
- 45:00-50:00 – Advice for athletes navigating NIL opportunities: strategies and legal considerations.
Overview of the Conversation: Jay and Keith open the conversation by introducing Sam Ehrlich’s unique background as both a sports agent and a professor specializing in sports law. This dual perspective allows Sam to offer both theoretical insights and practical advice that can help athletes and institutions alike.
The discussion focuses on the legal intricacies of NIL deals, emphasizing the importance of getting contracts in writing and making sure all parties understand their obligations. Sam shares real-life examples of how things can go wrong and what athletes need to do to avoid these situations.
Throughout the interview, Sam also looks ahead to where NIL is going, discussing the potential for further regulation, increased litigation, and how athletes can best position themselves for long-term success.
Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or a brand, this episode is full of valuable takeaways on navigating the NIL landscape with confidence.
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