The NCAA has approved a new eligibility model for Division I athletes, allowing them to compete for 5 seasons over a 5-year period. This change aims to reduce the chaos of the transfer portal era and provide more clarity for athletes and schools.
Key Changes
The new rules, set to take effect this fall, will all but eliminate waivers or redshirt years for extended eligibility, except for religious missions, maternity leave, or active-duty military service. Currently enrolled athletes with eligibility after the 2025-26 academic year can choose to apply the new age-based model or continue under the previous eligibility rules.
Attorney Mit Winter, who specializes in sports law, has called the five-year proposal and age limit ‘a very sensible rule’ that offers a ‘more black and white’ evaluation of player eligibility. However, he notes that legal challenges are likely, as athletes are still not considered employees and do not have collective bargaining rights.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
