The Trump administration’s National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) rescinded a 2021 memorandum that classified college athletes as employees, reversing a Biden-era stance that supported their right to unionize. Supporters of the original memo, including labor advocates, viewed it as a crucial step toward securing fair compensation and labor rights for college athletes. However, opponents, including the NCAA and universities, have long pushed for federal legislation preventing athletes from being classified as employees, arguing it would disrupt college sports. The decision follows recent setbacks for athlete unionization efforts and signals a shift away from regulatory support for these claims. Moving forward, the issue may depend on future political shifts, court rulings, or legislative action.
See "Trump administration rescinds NLRB memorandum viewing college athletes as employees", Steve Berkowitz, AOL, February 28, 2025