Catherwood LibraryILR School

The Dartmouth College men's basketball team’s effort to unionize has gained traction due to evolving legal perspectives and public sentiment favoring athlete compensation. Unlike a similar 2014 case involving Northwestern University, Dartmouth’s case benefits from the school’s Ivy League status and recent shifts in the National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB) composition. The legal environment, influenced by key rulings like the NCAA v. Alston decision, suggests that the board may be more likely to recognize the athletes as employees. However, the outcome remains uncertain, particularly with the approaching U.S. presidential election, which could impact the NLRB's composition and decision-making.