HANOVER, N.H. (WCAX) – A ruling Monday by the National Labor Relations Board allowing the Dartmouth Men’s Basketball Team to unionize has the potential to set a new precedent for college sports.
Like most college teams, Dartmouth controls the schedule and duties of its basketball teams. And while no scholarships are awarded at Ivy League schools, the players are given gear, tickets, and food and lodging while on the road. Because of that, the NLRB says the student-athletes are actually employees and have the right to unionize. Doing so could allow them a say on practice hours, working conditions, and potential salaries.
“They put a lot of hours into practicing and traveling, so I think they should get compensated in some shape or form because they don’t get scholarships,” said Kiran Dsouza, a Dartmouth grad student.
“They also have to do the same homework and curriculum. Essentially, there is no easy major at this school,” said Shade Francis, a Dartmouth senior.
Players from the team commended the ruling in a statement saying, “We are excited to see how this decision will impact college sports nationwide… We look forward to working with our fellow Ivy League athletes to bring positive change to the landscape of college sports.”
A hockey player on campus who declined to give his name told us he thought his team should consider unionizing as well.
But Dartmouth’s administration is against the effort. College officials say that, unlike other institutions where athletics generates millions of dollars in revenue, the college actually loses money on its sports programs. “Dartmouth has a long and proud history of productive relationships with unions on campus, always negotiates in good faith when appropriate, and respects the rights of workers to unionize. However, we do not believe these students are employees,” the college said in a statement.
“I guess my question to Dartmouth is what makes someone an employee?” said Dartmouth senior Shade Francis, who says sports are an integral part of campus life. “It’s the same hours that I would put into my job.”
But if Dartmouth sports teams can unionize, any college could likely follow suit, which even supporters say could turn college sports at all levels into a business rather than a game. “And that would create more incentive to go to these top schools rather than these smaller D1 or D3 schools,” Dsouza said.
A date for the union election has not yet been set. College officials say they plan to appeal the NLRB’s decision.
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