[2][3][4] Dartmouth has not participated in an NCAA Tournament since 1959, the longest active streak in between appearances and the second-longest ever.

A National Labor Relations Board regional official has ruled that Dartmouth basketball players are employees of the school, paving the way for a union election.

[5] The NCAA and universities insist athletes are students, not employees, but the ruling could challenge this view.

The case is significant amid ongoing legal challenges to the amateur athlete model.

The decision is supported by the Service Employees International Union, and it has implications for college athletes nationwide.