The Dartmouth men’s basketball team has taken steps toward establishing the NCAA’s first labor union for athletes.

Their request to be recognized as employees of the University by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has been accepted. Initiated by the men’s basketball team last year, this move aims to empower players to negotiate for improved working conditions and compensation. The NLRB regional director in Boston determined that the coaches exert control over the work performed by the Dartmouth men’s basketball team, and the players receive compensation in exchange for their performance—a classification that aligns with the NLRB’s definition of an employee.

The NLRB’s decision carries potential implications for college athletics at large. Should Dartmouth proceed with unionization efforts, it may draw interest from recruits, potentially affecting recruitment at other universities. The potential unionization comes amid a changing landscape for NCAA sports due to NIL and relaxed transfer rules.