Over 100 college women's basketball players have launched an official unionization campaign. The group, known as the United College Athletes Association, filed a petition for representation with the Oregon Employment Relations Board on Friday. Players from Oregon State are at the forefront of this effort, marking a notable step for labor rights in women's collegiate sports.
More than 100 athletes have signed union authorization cards over the last six months. This shift follows earlier, unsuccessful attempts by players to coordinate directly with major conferences like the Big Ten and SEC. Athletes involved in the campaign emphasize that they view their role as professional and aim to secure a formal voice in decisions impacting their collegiate careers.
While the NCAA maintains its stance that student-athletes are not employees, these players argue that their labor provides significant value to their institutions. The organizers hope this action creates a pathway for collective bargaining, seeking protections, fair compensation, and a clear seat at the table. The movement currently prioritizes states with labor-friendly laws to facilitate these negotiations.
The UCAA has established an interim executive committee featuring players from nine different Division I programs. They are also backed by an advisory board that includes prominent figures such as WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike and former NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo. This group represents a broader ambition to eventually organize athletes across all sports within the collegiate system.