more than random minutia, unionizing college sports ...

[tmcats]

this will surely be challenged in court and likely end with scotus. it will be interesting to see how each rules along the way.

For the first time, NCAA athletes have been allowed to unionize. A National Labor Relations Board regional manager ruled on Monday the Dartmouth men's basketball team could vote to form a union. It would mark the first time a labor union would consist of NCAA athletes ... In essence, the decision changes the decades-old designation from "student-athlete" to "student-employee" ...


https://www.cbssports.com/college-baske ... ge-sports/

[ToledoCat#3]

Another potential nail in the coffin of college sports.

[Tbonespop]

Ya, I'm just about done with all of it myself. If this train continues to run off the tracks for much longer, masses will leave. Probably what needs to happen. I've got plenty of other hobbies, don't need this one. Like it, but can easily live without it.

[stlcatfan]

People have been talking about this as a future possibility. It looks like the future is coming on us fast. When you look back over just the past two or three years, it is amazing how fast major college sports are changing.

I really hope there is a schism in college sports between those who want to go semi-pro and those who want to maintain amateur status as student-athletes -- even if it means not getting as high a level of talent on the field or the court.

If athletes can unionize, they can also go on strike if their demands are not met. Oh boy. Sounds like fun.

[kswildcat]

Division in college sports is right around the corner. I agree that semi-pro collegians are coming soon. I much prefer the student-athlete model and I'm afraid that K-State will never have the dollars to compete in the semi-pro league. I just don't see how K-State will ever be able to pay athletes enough to compete with Alabama and Texas in the future. I enjoy watching the competition at all levels and prefer that to watching the pros. I'd prefer to watch student-athletes but I realize that model may be lost. It will be interesting going forward if K-State can remain competitive with the big boys or will fall to middle-class status. Maybe there will be a middle-class league where we can compete with other similar universities.

[tmcats]

Division in college sports is right around the corner. I agree that semi-pro collegians are coming soon. I much prefer the student-athlete model and I'm afraid that K-State will never have the dollars to compete in the semi-pro league. I just don't see how K-State will ever be able to pay athletes enough to compete with Alabama and Texas in the future. I enjoy watching the competition at all levels and prefer that to watching the pros. I'd prefer to watch student-athletes but I realize that model may be lost. It will be interesting going forward if K-State can remain competitive with the big boys or will fall to middle-class status. Maybe there will be a middle-class league where we can compete with other similar universities.

this would be like today's north dakota state football. where head coaches leave to be d'coordinators at elite schools. rosters are pooched. 15-20,000 fans tops. the fargo dome seats 18,500 for football.

the impact on basketball would likely be negligible as the power six have those type schools already: nova, san diago state, unconn, and so on. but big time football as we know it today would be gone.

[kswildcat]

I don't disagree, tm, but where will the $'s come from to maintain status in the big time? I just don't see that as sustainable.

[spot2180]

And Pandora's Box is open. This will ruin collegiate sports as we know it, which just might be the intention. The NCAA wants to remain relevant, and when they know they are fading quickly, why not just ruin it for other parties. The old, "If I can have you, no one else can" kind of thing. I believe this is a move towards European style 'club' teams, with several different levels of competition, not to mention a whole lot less interest.

[tmcats]

I don't disagree, tm, but where will the $'s come from to maintain status in the big time? I just don't see that as sustainable.

no, i agree with you, kswildcat, the program will not be anything like today's if k-state is left out. that's why i drew the ndsu comparison.

[stlcatfan]

The way things seem to be shaping up, at least for the foreseeable future, there will be four tiers to Division I college football (based on TV revenue).

Top tier (i.e., the rich) -- Big Ten and SEC

Tier II (i.e., the upper middle class) -- Big 12 and ACC

Tier III (i.e., the lower middle class) -- G5 conferences

Tier IV (i.e., the poor) -- FCS conferences

I think K-State and the Big 12 will be fine in the near-term. We will be getting paid more money under our new contract that runs through (I think) 2031. The average number that is being thrown around right now is a little north of $50 million per school per year with our new contract.

NDSU and other FCS schools may not get the major TV $$$ like the FBS schools, but they have a loyal following and play a good brand of football. As the movement of FBS conferences from amateur to semi-professional picks up steam, I think more college sports fans will desire something like the FCS setup, even if it means losing out on top talent. JMO.