In a case that could eventually have a huge impact on college sports, the National Labor Relations Board ruled Monday that Dartmouth men’s basketball players are university employees and can proceed with an election to form a union.
The ruling applies only to the Dartmouth basketball team, but if upheld upon appeal, it could set a precedent for all other sports and universities in the U.S.
According to Amanda Christovich of Front Office Sports, Dartmouth will appeal the ruling.
NLRB Rules that Dartmouth Men’s Basketball Players Are Employees
The College Basketball Players Association (CBPA) filed an unfair labor practice complaint against Dartmouth in September, claiming the school had violated federal law by classifying players as student-athletes. The basketball team had contacted the NLRB earlier, notifying the board it intended to unionize.
The university’s attorneys argued that the students were not employees, but student-athletes playing for a money-losing program.
Previous attempts by college athletes to unionize, including a bid by the Northwestern football team, had been rejected.
The sports world quickly reacted to the ruling.
I clerked for the judges who heard these appeals. This is gonna take a while to resolve itself.
Appeal will go to NLRB judge, then an appeal would go to Court of Appeals. If Trump wins in November, it could be a flipped court. https://t.co/jc3qq08dej
— David Fucillo (@davidfucillo) February 5, 2024
Shades of 2014, when Northwestern football players won a ruling like this at the regional level. Was later dismissed at national level.
But it’s a much different climate now. https://t.co/JtU8POqPjz
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) February 5, 2024
RIP NCAA. (1906-2024) https://t.co/OXSsap9FMm
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) February 5, 2024
There’s going to be an appeal for sure, but…if Dartmouth basketball players fall under the employment classification, a whole hell of a lot of other athletic programs beyond P5 football and basketball will too. https://t.co/VGO5egYC2h
— Matt Brown (@MattBrownEP) February 5, 2024
The NCAA is slowly inching closer and closer to becoming obsolete. I love it. https://t.co/U651TRTDeE pic.twitter.com/aEUzykcgI8
— Miss Tee ✨ (@MisguidedTee) February 5, 2024
Get ready for minor league football https://t.co/H2uIEOWqoV
— Simba Walker (@Simba_Walker_) February 5, 2024
It’s starting to seem like only Congress can stop the classification of college athletes as employees train, and Congress doesn’t appear compelled to intervene. https://t.co/eNCttHZsZJ
— Darren Heitner (@DarrenHeitner) February 5, 2024
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Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.