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Dartmouth players unionizing could spark domino effect for college sports, expert predicts
Last Updated on March 17, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes
In a groundbreaking move in college athletics, the Dartmouth men’s basketball team has voted to unionize with a 13-2 decision to join the Service Employees International Union Local 560. This historic vote comes at a time when college athletes are increasingly seeking to profit off their name, image, and likeness.
Although schools are not legally required to pay their athletes, the Dartmouth team’s decision to unionize has the potential to significantly impact the landscape of college sports. The move has faced pushback from the school, with Dartmouth filing an appeal with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in an attempt to overturn the decision allowing the union vote. The school argues that classifying student-athletes as employees is inappropriate.
However, experts in the field, such as Michael Schreck, founder of the Collegiate Sports Management Group, have expressed support for the players’ initiative. Schreck noted that Ivy League schools like Dartmouth may have unique considerations in this process.
The unionization vote marks a significant development for college athletes, as it signals a shift in the way players are advocating for their rights and compensation. With the growing movement towards player empowerment in college sports, the Dartmouth men’s basketball team’s decision to unionize could pave the way for more teams to follow suit in the future.
Sources: Fox News, The Associated Press.
