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NCAA news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
NCAA signs sponsorship deal with Playfly Sports to boost revenue. Eligibility lawsuits challenge new age-based rules, with courts granting injunctions.
Background
The NCAA is facing multiple legal challenges over its new age-based eligibility policy, which limits athletes to five seasons within a five-year period starting at age 19 or college enrollment. The policy, passed in June, did not grandfather the freshman class of 2022, leading to lawsuits from players seeking a fifth year of eligibility. Courts have issued injunctions and stays, creating uncertainty for the upcoming season.
How it unfolded
- Jun 2026NCAA passes new age-based eligibility rule, allowing five seasons within five years but not grandfathering the 2022 freshman class.
- Jul 31, 2026Colorado district court judge Charlotte Sweeney grants injunction for Division I athletes, making thousands eligible for a fifth year.
- Aug 18, 2026First District Court of Appeals grants temporary reprieve, staying the injunction pending appeal.
- Aug 19, 2026Louisiana court grants restraining order allowing NFL players to return to college.
- Aug 20, 2026NCAA announces sponsorship sales agreement with Playfly Sports; Division III player Benjamin Pearce files federal class action lawsuit.
Who’s saying what
- NCAA
- NCAA appreciates the appeals court's recognition of harm caused by the injunction and looks forward to arguing the merits.
- Plaintiffs
- Players argue the new rules unfairly exclude the 2022 class and violate NCAA bylaws, seeking fifth-year eligibility.
- NCAA Official
- Tim Buckley says courts are failing to appreciate the destabilizing effect of rulings on college sports.