College Basketball Players Sue NCAA Over New Eligibility Rules
Fifteen basketball players filed suit challenging NCAA's new five-year eligibility rule.
Why it matters: This case highlights legal conflicts around student-athlete rights and NCAA’s regulatory reach, crucial for sports law experts.
- On June 23, 2026, NCAA approved five seasons over five years eligibility rule.
- New rules eliminate waivers/medical redshirts except for religious, maternity, or military exceptions.
- Fifteen basketball players, graduating high school in 2022, sued NCAA on June 24, 2026, in Ohio.
- Plaintiffs argue rule limits game participation and NIL earning opportunities unfairly.
- Over 50 players have joined lawsuits led by attorneys Darren Heitner and Ryan Downton.
On June 23, 2026, the NCAA Division I Cabinet unanimously approved a new eligibility model allowing athletes five seasons of competition within a five-year window. This rule begins at full-time enrollment or the academic year after their 19th birthday, whichever comes first.
Crucially, the revised model eliminates waivers or redshirt years for extended eligibility, except for limited cases including religious missions, maternity leave, or active-duty military service. Extensions for injuries are no longer recognized.
The next day, on June 24, 2026, 15 men's and women's basketball players who graduated high school in 2022 and have already completed four NCAA seasons filed a lawsuit in Hamilton County, Ohio. They challenge the NCAA’s application of the rule, claiming it unfairly restricts their participation opportunities during the five-year window and unjustifiably limits their ability to monetize their name, image, and likeness (NIL), as detailed in their complaint reported by Front Office Sports.
Attorney Ryan Downton, representing the plaintiffs, expressed disappointment about the exclusion of the high school class of 2022 from eligibility considerations, noting these athletes competed against players benefiting from COVID-19 waivers granting extended eligibility.
Attorneys Darren Heitner and Ryan Downton have consolidated over 50 basketball players into lawsuits targeting the NCAA’s eligibility policies, with plans to file across multiple states.
Previously, the NCAA granted extra eligibility for COVID-19 pandemic disruptions and allowed certain players to transition to professional teams before returning to college, illustrating the ongoing complexity of eligibility rules.
By the numbers:
- 15 players sued NCAA on June 24, 2026
- 5 seasons of competition allowed over 5 years starting June 23, 2026
- Over 50 basketball players involved in growing lawsuit network
Yes, but: The NCAA has allowed exceptions in the past, such as COVID-19 waivers and professional play returns, suggesting some flexibility in eligibility rules despite the new crackdown.
What's next: Attorneys plan to file additional lawsuits in multiple states challenging the NCAA's eligibility model, expanding this legal dispute.