In a significant development for college sports, the Dartmouth men’s basketball team has decided to withdraw its petition to unionize. This decision marks an end to their attempt to become the first group of college athletes to negotiate for a contract through collective bargaining. The players had initially sought recognition as employees under the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), but chose to withdraw due to concerns about the changing political composition of the board, which will soon be controlled by Republicans. Despite this setback, the players remain committed to advocating for fair compensation, health coverage, and safe working conditions.

Details of the Decision

In the crisp autumn of 2023, members of the Dartmouth men’s basketball team initiated a bold move by filing a petition with the NLRB to gain employee status. Their argument was that the university exerted significant control over their schedules and working conditions, thereby qualifying them as employees under labor law. A regional official agreed with this assessment, and in March, the team voted overwhelmingly in favor of joining SEIU Local 560, a union that already represents some Dartmouth staff.

However, the path forward became uncertain as the incoming administration promised to fill two vacancies on the NLRB, likely tipping the balance against the players’ favor. Recognizing the potential challenges, Service Employees International Union Local 560 opted to withdraw the petition rather than risk an unfavorable ruling. Chris Peck, the local president, emphasized that while the strategy may have shifted, the fight for justice in college athletics would continue.

The Dartmouth case had the potential to challenge the NCAA’s long-standing amateur model, where student-athletes are not compensated beyond scholarships. Recent court rulings have begun to erode this framework, allowing players to profit from their name, image, and likeness, but a fully recognized union would have represented a seismic shift in the relationship between athletes and institutions.

For now, the Dartmouth players have chosen to preserve the precedent they set, having been classified as employees and winning their union election. They remain committed to pushing the conversation forward on employment rights and collective bargaining in college sports.

From a journalist’s perspective, this decision highlights the complex interplay between sports, politics, and labor rights. While the immediate effort to unionize may have been halted, it underscores the growing awareness among student-athletes about their role within the multibillion-dollar industry of college sports. The debate over compensation and rights is far from over, and future efforts are likely to emerge as athletes continue to advocate for fair treatment.