Economist testifies at NLRB hearing on Northwestern football players' bid to form union

CHICAGO – A sports economist has taken the stand at a National Labor Relations Board hearing in Chicago on a bid by Northwestern football players who want to create the nation's first union for college athletes.

Southern Utah University economist David Berri was asked to discuss how the model of college football has changed and become big business. He testified that the NCAA provides "entertainment services" and it is football players who provide that service.

The NLB is being asked to decide whether college athletes are employees, who would have the legal right to unionize. The three-day hearing is expected to wrap up Thursday.