Stanford football players push for unionization in college sports

Stanford football players are advocating for the establishment of a players' union, aiming to enhance their collective bargaining power within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Under the informal banner of the "Tunnel Diggers Union," they have created a player-led fraternity to educate teammates about unionization. Elected representatives Ernest Cooper and Fisher Anderson are at the forefront of this initiative, seeking to secure rights and benefits similar to those of employees. The foundation for these efforts comes from consultations with Jason Stahl of the College Football Players Association and alumni like Andrew Luck. The movement reflects broader discussions about athlete rights, yet formal unionization may take several years to materialize, particularly given legislative hurdles surrounding college sports.

• 6:02 PMCBS Sports — An ACC union? Stanford players working to lay the groundwork for college sports' next labor fight