This case describes the Dartmouth’s Men’s Basketball team’s attempt to unionize while facing strong opposition from Dartmouth University and dealing with the changing landscape of amateurism with the introduction of the NCAA’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policy. Forward, Cade Haskins, helped lead the men’s basketball team’s efforts at unionization with the help of alumni and other individuals with experience with professional player associations. The men’s basketball team was successful in its petitioning to organize, only to later withdraw their petition due to concerns over an unsuccessful bid as the composition of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) would be changing as a new American presidential administration took over. This case is relevant to undergraduate students in courses like Contemporary Issues in Sport, Introduction to Labor Relations, and A Survey of Collegiate Sports. It requires students to address the complexities at play now that the amateurism model seems to be shifting, with student athletes now permitted to earn NIL income and an increasing number of students workers also attempting unionization.

Experience level
Intermediate
Intended Audience
Faculty
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Time
Authors

Quinn W. Cunningham, Rider University

Lisa Rufer, Rider University