Court Rules College Athletes Could Qualify as Employees, Deserve Pay

In a groundbreaking ruling on Thursday, a U.S. appeals court in Philadelphia determined that college athletes, whose efforts primarily benefit their schools, may qualify as employees deserving of pay under federal wage-and-hour laws. This decision is a major blow to the NCAA and its long-standing concept of “amateurism” in college sports.

The court emphasized the need to establish a test to differentiate between students who play sports for enjoyment and those whose commitment to their sport crosses the line into work that benefits the school. The ruling opens the door for college athletes to potentially receive compensation for their time and efforts, challenging the traditional notion that they are only students and not employees.

The case will now go back to the trial judge for further examination, with the NCAA facing the prospect of revising its rules and compensation structure for athletes. This comes on the heels of a 2021 Supreme Court decision that prompted the NCAA to allow athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness.

The plaintiffs, which include Division I athletes and former athletes, are seeking fair compensation for their dedication to sports, arguing that they deserve hourly wages similar to their peers in work-study programs. Their lawyer, Paul McDonald, estimates that athletes could earn up to $10,000 per year for participating in NCAA sports, providing much-needed financial support for everyday expenses.

The NCAA has expressed concerns about the potential impact of treating college athletes as employees, citing possible consequences for women’s sports, Olympic sports, and programs at the Division II and III levels. However, the court’s decision signals a shift towards recognizing the economic reality of the athlete-school relationship and the need for fair compensation.

As the debate over college athlete compensation continues, the ruling sets a precedent for potential changes in how athletes are valued and rewarded for their contributions to collegiate sports. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact the future of college athletics and the rights of student-athletes.