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Alabama Linebacker Uses NIL Funds to Invest in SailGP Team

Dallas Turner joins celebrity investor group

Michael Ehrlich

Alabama Linebacker Uses NIL Funds to Invest in SailGP Team
Alabama Linebacker Uses NIL Funds to Invest in SailGP Team /
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Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner is one of the country's top pash-rushers and after compiling a career-high nine sacks this season, he was named Tuesday as a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award.

The junior from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. adds another line to his resume today - athlete investor - as he is part of a celebrity roster purchasing the US SailGP team.

Turner joins DeAndre Hopkins of the Tennesee Titans, Roquan Smith of the Baltimore Ravens, Kayvon Thibodeaux of the New York Giants, New England Revolution striker Jozy Altidore, world champion heavyweight boxer Deontay Wilder and actress, writer, and producer Issa Rae, among other celebrity investors through Marc Lasry's Avenue Sports Fund.

“I want to blaze a trail for kids to think outside the box and my investment in the U.S. SailGP Team proves that you can start building your network even while still in school,” shared Turner.

Led by technology investor and founding Uber engineer Ryan McKillen and two-time world champion sailor Mike Buckley, this purchase of the US team is the largest sale in SailGP history and features the most diverse ownership group in the history of the sport.

SailGP is a global sailing league where 10 national teams race high-speed 50-foot foiling catamarans in multiple grands prix around the world. The competitions are broadcast in over 200 markets and air on CBS and YouTube in the United States.

“By bringing together this remarkable group to acquire the United States SailGP Team, we have reached an important milestone in the growth of our sport,” said McKillen, U.S. SailGP Team Co-owner and Chairman. “As sailors, we love this sport and want to introduce it to millions; as entrepreneurs, we recognize the potential and growth trajectory of SailGP and how our U.S. SailGP Team can introduce the future of on-water racing at the highest level. Our incredible ownership group is a testament to the growth and expansion of SailGP into the mainstream.”

The U.S. SailGP Team - with an athlete roster to be announced soon - will debut at the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas, December 9-10.

While Turner won't be getting on a boat any time soon - as the Alabama faces No. 1 Georgia in the SEC Championship Game this weekend with the College Football Playoff still on their mind - the linebacker is leveraging his current NIL to create long-lasting investment opportunities that should extend well beyond his playing days.

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Michael Ehrlich
MICHAEL EHRLICH

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

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