Theory Thursday: Are Athletes Workers?

While professional athletes may earn significantly more than the average person, they still receive only a fraction of what team owners make. Meanwhile, college athletes generate substantial revenue for universities, and in turn the NCAA, but are often viewed merely as students, receiving little to no compensation from their schools aside from the 1% of student-athletes who receive full ride scholarships.

Not to mention, the introduction of the NIL era has created a ‘wild west’ where top athletes can now (legally) earn based on their name, image, and likeness. But the NCAA and universities, which still profit far more, can continue to hide in plain sight without having to pay the athletes a dime.

What does it mean to be a worker in the world of sports? How do race and culture shape the experiences of athletes within labor discussions?

Watch the entire conversation below: