The 29th AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, PA, introduced the formation of the AFL-CIO Sports Council. In announcing the Council, the Federation said it was formed to “help professional athletes join together to form unions and strengthen their lives, livelihoods, and working conditions.”
The original founding members included the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), the United Football Players Association-USW, the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA), the USWNT Players Association (USWNTPA) and USL Players Association-CWA (USLPA-CWA). The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) joined the AFL-CIO and the Sports Council in September of 2022. The Women’s National Basketball Players Association joined the AFL-CIO in early February and the Major League Soccer Players Association announced it was joining the AFL-CIO in late February.
The MLSPA is the 60th affiliate of the AFL-CIO. ■
