A New Frontier in College Athlete Unionization
On a Friday that could redefine the landscape of college sports, the Oregon State women’s basketball squad officially filed a petition for union representation with the Oregon Employment Relations Board. The move leverages state labor statutes, making it the first instance of college athletes seeking collective bargaining rights through a public‑sector framework rather than the National Labor Relations Board.
The petition is being championed by the United College Athletes Association, a 501(c)(5) labor union founded by former NCAA track athlete Andrew Cooper. Since its inception in 2024, the UCAA has been quietly building momentum, and according to internal reports, more than one hundred players have already signed authorization cards expressing their intent to unionize.
The UCAA’s advisory board reads like a who’s who of athlete representation, featuring Meghann Burke, executive director of the National Women’s Soccer Players Association, and Nneka Ogwumike, president of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association. Both bring extensive experience negotiating collective agreements in professional leagues.
Oluchi Okananwa, a Maryland native and interim president of the UCAA, emphasized that athletes deserve not only fair compensation but also meaningful protections and a formal collective bargaining agreement. Her statement underscores a growing sentiment that college athletes should be recognized as workers with rights comparable to those in other industries.
The initiative is not isolated. Days after Oregon State’s filing, the College Football Players Association announced an organizing drive among Stanford football players, though they are currently holding off on formal union authorization until a more favorable political climate emerges. This cautious approach reflects the complex interplay between athletic ambitions and legislative realities.
Historically, unionization attempts have been concentrated at private institutions where the National Labor Relations Board holds jurisdiction, as seen at Dartmouth and Northwestern. The current strategy exploits a legal doctrine known as the "joint‑employer doctrine," which could extend the NLRB’s reach to public universities, conferences, or even the NCAA itself, potentially classifying athletes as employees of those entities.
In response to these developments, the UCAA is actively lobbying Congress against the Protect College Sports Act, a proposal that many athletes view as a top‑down attempt to impose restrictions without their input. The legislation, if passed, could undermine the very bargaining power the union seeks to secure.
Jada Williams, a LSU women’s basketball player, echoed the need for structured dialogue but warned against congressional interference that could dictate rules without athlete representation. Her perspective highlights a nuanced desire for progress that respects both athlete agency and institutional autonomy.