Michael Ehrlich

Michael Ehrlich

Joined: Oct 31, 2023

Michael Ehrlich is a seasoned sports marketing executive with experience across the global sports brand, athlete representation, media and education sides of the business. The Founder and CEO of Playbook Marketing, Ehrlich consults with brands on all things NIL and athlete partnerships, advises student-athletes on their personal brand building endeavors and is an adjunct professor at his alma mater, the University of Southern California where he teaches a course on athlete communications and marketing. As a writer, his previous bylines include Boardroom, Business of College Sports, DIME Magazine and UPROXX, among others. You can follow him across social media at @MichaelEhrlich and reach out via michael@playbook-marketing.com

NIL Athletes

14-year-old world record holder signs NIL partnership with Nike

Nov 23, 2024; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Josh Hoover (10) walks on the field before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

NIL Athletes

TCU QB reveals why he turned down reported $2 million offer from Tennessee

Jun 16, 2025; Omaha, Neb, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks starting pitcher Gage Wood (14) celebrates completing a no hitter against the Murray State Racers at Charles Schwab Field.

NIL Athletes

Arkansas pitcher’s historic College World Series performance leads to major NIL merchandise launch

May 14, 2025; Chicago, Il, USA; Cooper Flagg talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.

NIL Athletes

NIL partner creates new holiday for Cooper Flagg ahead of NBA Draft

Jake Brown 7, LSU Tigers take on the Tennessee Vols. Sunday, April 27, 2025.

NIL Athletes

LSU baseball star sends blunt NIL pitch to popular shoe brand

Tigers' outfielder/pitcher Jake Brown spends per diem money on Crocs, Jibbitz accessories

Apr 13, 2025; Hartford, CT, USA; UConn student-athlete Azzi Fudd addresses the crowd while her teammates UConn student-athletes Paige Bueckers, KK Arnold, Sarah Strong and Ayanna Patterson look on during the Final Four champions victory parade and rally outside of the XL Center in Hartford, CT.

NIL Athletes

UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd announces major skincare NIL partnership

Final Four Most Outstanding Player becomes first college athlete to sign with Paula’s Choice

Dec 26, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson (2) celebrates after defeating the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field.

NIL Athletes

Kansas State star quarterback preps for Summer in new NIL campaign

Avery Johnson stocks up on sunscreen through CVS partnership, social media campaign

Feb 13, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) celebrates hitting a 3-point shot during an NCAA basketball game against the UCLA Bruins at Galen Center.

NIL Athletes

Documentary series on USC Player of the Year returns to follow injury recovery

NBC greenlights second season of "On the Rise: JuJu Watkins," highlighting the All-American Women of Troy star.

Sep 21, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; USC Trojans helmet on the sideline during the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium.

NIL News

USC Trojans Athletics Expands NIL Footprint with Learfield Partnership

The USC Trojans' athletic department signed a 15-year deal with college sports' leading media and technology brand.

Feb 2, 2024; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Lady Tigers senior Olivia \"Livvy\" Dunne performs a demonstration uneven bars routine against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

NIL News

LSU NIL Trailblazer Livvy Dunne Announces Smiling New Partnership

The former Tigers' gymnast signs year-long partnership with Invisalign.

Tristen Keys for adidas

NIL News

Top LSU Wide Receiver Recruit Joins adidas NIL Roster

No. 1 ranked class of 2026 receiver prospect Tristen Keys signs NIL partnership with adidas.

Dec 21, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Princeton Tigers guard Xaivian Lee (1) dribbles the ball against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second half at Prudential Center.

NIL News

Florida Gators Transfer Xaivian Lee Signs Historic NIL Sneaker Deal

Former Princeton star now becomes face of Serious Player Only footwear brand

Mar 22, 2025; Birmingham AL, USA; LSU gymnast LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne walks with teammates to a competition area and gestures to fans during Session 2 of the SEC Gymnastics Championship at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. LSU won the event to claim the SEC crown.

NIL News

AthleteCon NIL Event Returns with Livvy Dunne Support

Sam Green's exclusive NIL content education experience expands in second year.

Jan 1, 1996; Pasadena, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver Keyshawn Johnson (3) scores on a 56-yard touchdown reception during the third quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at the Rose Bowl. USC defeated Northwestern 41-32.

NIL News

USC Legend Keyshawn Johnson Predicts Eight-Figure NIL Rate for Himself

Former No. 1 pick, Super Bowl champion talks NIL landscape with Patriots great Julian Edelman

Mar 12, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks center Hunter Dickinson (1) reacts after a play during overtime against the UCF Knights at T-Mobile Center.

NIL News

Kansas All-American Explores Potential Career Change in LinkedIn NIL Deal

NIL powerhouse Hunter Dickinson partners with employment-oriented social network ahead of NBA Draft.

Mar 8, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South California Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) attempts a free throw against Michigan Wolverines during the second half of the Big Ten Conference Tournament semifinals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

NIL News

USC National Player of the Year JuJu Watkins Adds New NIL Partnership

The all-American basketball star teams up with Pottery Barn Teen for apartment makeover during her offseason recovery.