NCAA panel approves new eligibility rules giving Division I athletes 5 years to play 5 seasons
Summary
The NCAA approved a new rule allowing Division I athletes five seasons of play within five years starting from either full-time enrollment or the academic year after their 19th birthday. This change replaces the old rule giving athletes five years to play four seasons and aims to simplify eligibility and reduce legal disputes.Key Facts
- Division I athletes can now compete in five seasons over five years, starting from full-time enrollment or after turning 19.
- The previous rule allowed five years to complete four playing seasons, starting at enrollment regardless of age.
- Exceptions for extending eligibility now only apply to religious missions, maternity leave, or active military service. Injuries no longer qualify for extra eligibility.
- The NCAA hopes the new age-based model will make rules easier to manage and help coaches plan their rosters better.
- The rule passed unanimously by the Division I Cabinet and will take effect starting in the fall of 2027.
- Current athletes and some incoming freshmen can choose to use the new rule or the old one until 2026-27.
- The change comes as part of broader legislation addressing college sports issues, including lawsuits over eligibility and athlete compensation.
- Legal experts say the new rule could reduce eligibility lawsuits but athletes might still challenge NCAA rules through courts on other grounds.
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