College Athlete Right to Organize Act

Summary

Classifies college athletes who receive any direct compensation (including scholarships and grants‑in‑aid) as employees under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), extends NLRA coverage to public colleges and universities for those employees, and requires the National Labor Relations Board to allow multi‑employer bargaining units across athletic conferences when athletes consent. The bill also bars agreements that waive NLRA rights, preserves existing tax and federal financial aid treatment of scholarships and similar compensation, and includes a severability clause.

• Treats college athletes who receive any direct compensation (including scholarships) as employees under the NLRA.
• Extends NLRA coverage to public colleges and universities for those student employees.
• Requires the NLRB to allow multi‑employer bargaining units across athletic conferences when athlete representatives agree.
• Prohibits any contract or grant‑in‑aid clause that waives NLRA rights or permits noncompliance.
• Preserves existing tax and federal financial aid treatment of scholarships and direct compensation.
• Removes the NLRB’s discretion to decline jurisdiction over intercollegiate sports labor disputes.
• Creates potential for athletes to unionize and collectively bargain over pay, conditions, and benefits.
• Will likely change institutional bargaining practices, budgets, and labor relations for athletic programs.
• Includes a severability clause to keep the rest of the law in force if parts are struck down.