The NCAA is facing another legal challenge after approving a new five-year eligibility model that changes how college athletes can use their years of competition. Just one day after the new policy was adopted, a group of basketball players filed a lawsuit arguing they have been unfairly excluded from receiving an additional season of eligibility.
The case could have significant implications for student-athletes across Division I sports and may influence how the NCAA applies its new eligibility rules moving forward.
What Is the NCAA’s New Five-Year Eligibility Rule?
The NCAA recently approved an age-based eligibility model that gives student-athletes five years to compete beginning when they either:
- Enroll in college, or
- Turn 19 years old.
Under the new system, athletes can participate in up to five seasons during that eligibility window. The model also eliminates traditional redshirt seasons and most eligibility waivers, except for limited circumstances such as:
- Military service
- Pregnancy
- Religious missions
The rule is intended to simplify the NCAA’s eligibility process while providing athletes with greater flexibility.
Why Are Players Suing the NCAA?
The lawsuit was filed by 15 men’s and women’s basketball players who graduated from high school in 2022 and have already completed four NCAA seasons.
Although the new model allows future athletes to compete for five seasons, the NCAA determined that athletes who have already exhausted four seasons of eligibility are not covered by the change.
The plaintiffs argue this creates an unfair situation because they would otherwise qualify for another season under the newly adopted rules.
They are asking the court to issue a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction that would allow them to compete during the 2026–27 season.
Legal Argument Centers on Fair Application
Unlike previous lawsuits challenging NCAA eligibility rules under antitrust law, this case focuses on how the NCAA is applying its own policy.
The players argue the NCAA’s implementation violates contractual obligations between the association and its member schools, claiming student-athletes are intended third-party beneficiaries of those agreements.
The lawsuit also argues that denying these athletes another season prevents them from earning additional income through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.
Attorneys Expect More Lawsuits
The case is being led by attorneys Darren Heitner and Ryan Downton, who have represented numerous college athletes in NCAA eligibility cases.
According to the attorneys, they represent more than 50 basketball players who may be affected by the new eligibility policy and expect to file additional lawsuits in multiple states.
Players Point to Previous NCAA Exceptions
To support their case, the plaintiffs note that the NCAA has previously granted exceptions to eligibility rules, including:
- An additional year of eligibility for athletes affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Allowing certain athletes to compete professionally, such as in the NBA G League, before returning to college athletics.
The players argue these precedents demonstrate the NCAA has flexibility in applying eligibility rules.
What Could Happen Next?
If the court grants the requested injunction, the affected athletes could become eligible to play during the 2026–27 season while the lawsuit proceeds.
A ruling in favor of the players could also encourage additional legal challenges from athletes in other sports who believe they have been similarly excluded under the NCAA’s new eligibility framework.
As of now, the NCAA has not publicly commented on the lawsuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are basketball players suing the NCAA?
The players argue they were unfairly excluded from the NCAA’s new five-year eligibility model despite meeting the general requirements established under the updated rules.
What is the NCAA’s new eligibility rule?
The new policy provides student-athletes with a five-year eligibility window beginning when they enroll in college or turn 19 years old, allowing them to compete for up to five seasons.
Who is affected by the lawsuit?
The current lawsuit involves 15 men’s and women’s basketball players who graduated high school in 2022 and completed four NCAA seasons before the new rule was implemented.
Could more lawsuits be filed?
Yes. The attorneys representing the players have indicated they represent more than 50 athletes and plan to file additional lawsuits in multiple states.
Conclusion
The NCAA’s new five-year eligibility model was designed to simplify college athletics eligibility, but its rollout has already sparked legal action. As courts consider whether current athletes should also benefit from the new rules, the outcome could reshape eligibility policies and create new opportunities for college athletes seeking additional seasons of competition.