Sam Ehrlich, assistant professor of legal studies in the Department of Management, is an expert in the evolution of name, image and likeness rights for college athletes and was recently recognized as one of the “80 Most Influential People in the NIL Space” by Silver Waves Media, a global media organization specializing in sports media and videography.
On their website, Silver Wave says they created the list to “represent a diverse array of executives, athletes, and thought leaders who have shaped the landscape of collegiate sports and athlete endorsement. These individuals have leveraged their platforms to navigate the complexities of NIL rights, challenging traditional norms and paving the way for student-athletes to monetize their personal brands.”
The list includes other recognizable college sports names including former sports journalist and current St. Bonaventure men’s basketball general manager Adrian Wojnarowski, NCAA president Charlie Baker, Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey, Duke men’s basketball general manager Rachel Baker, and Big Ten Conference Commissioner Tony Petitti.
“I’m honored to be included on this list, especially given how many incredible people on the list are doing so much to shape the NIL space right now,” Ehrlich said. “For me, it’s less about individual recognition and more about continuing to contribute to a conversation that is reshaping college sports in real time. It means a lot to be recognized for those efforts.”