Democrats introduce bill allowing college athletes to organize

A group of Democrats have introduced the first-ever bills in the House and Senate to allow college student athletes to organize under the National Labor Relations Act.

The long shot bill, which would require the votes of 10 Republicans along with every Democrat in the Senate to pass the upper chamber, would expand union rights across the nation to college athletes and allow them to collectively bargain for benefits and wages, according to a copy obtained by The Athletic.

College student athletes would be considered “employees” of their respective schools if they receive any student aid dependent on their participation in student sports.

The bill would also ban any college scholarships that are dependent on athletes agreeing to not engage in collective bargaining.

It is sponsored by Sens. Bernie SandersBernie SandersDemocrats introduce bill allowing college athletes to organize Bernie Sanders demands king-size hotel beds, cool rooms, book says Drama scrambles Schumer’s China bill MORE (I-Vt.) and Chris MurphyChristopher (Chris) Scott MurphyDemocrats introduce bill allowing college athletes to organize Pelosi: ‘Personally devastated’ by latest mass shooting in home state Democrats start putting GOP on notice as patience runs thin MORE (D-Conn.) in the Senate, and Democratic Reps. Jamaal Bowman (N.Y.), Andy LevinAndrew (Andy) LevinDemocrats introduce bill allowing college athletes to organize Senate Democrats offer bill to scrap tax break for investment managers Overnight Energy: Update on Biden administration conservation goals | GOP sees opportunity to knock Biden amid rising gas prices | Push for nationwide electric vehicle charging stations MORE (Mich.) and Lori TrahanLori A. TrahanDemocrats introduce bill allowing college athletes to organize Democrats ask Facebook to abandon ‘Instagram for kids’ plans Democrats urge Facebook to reverse WhatsApp privacy update MORE (Mass.) in the House.

The Hill has reached out for a full copy of the legislation.

“Big time college sports haven’t been ‘amateur’ for a long time, and the NCAA has long denied its players economic and bargaining rights while treating them like commodities,” Murphy said in a statement to USA Today.

The bill would “help athletes get the pay and protections they deserve and forces the NCAA to treat them as equals rather than second-class citizens. It’s a civil rights issue, and a matter of basic fairness,” he added.

Six states have introduced bills in their own legislatures that would pave the way to student athletes being paid for their work or likeness, a prospect the NCAA and other athletic associations have vocally opposed for years.

Earlier this month, the NCAA’s president recommended that college athletes be given endorsement deals as the organization has faced calls to expand rights and benefits for its players.

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