local
NCAA approves new eligibility rules giving Division I athletes 5 years to play 5 seasons
By AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· June 24, 2026
· 4 min read
Eager to lessen the chaos of the transfer portal era and court fights with players trying to extend their careers, the NCAA approved a new eligibility model for Division I athletes on Tuesday that will allow five seasons of competition over a five-year period that begins with their full-time enro...
Key takeaway The NCAA believes the age-based model will make rules easier to administer and help make roster management more predictable for coaches.
Why this matters in The Waco
The new NCAA eligibility rules will have a direct impact on local college athletes in Waco , particularly those competing in Division I sports. With Baylor University being a prominent Division I institution in the area, the changes will likely affect roster management and athlete recruitment for the Bears. The predictability of roster management will be a welcome change for Baylor coaches, allowing them to better plan for the future. Additionally, the new rules will provide clarity for local high school athletes who aspire to compete at the Division I level, giving them a clearer understanding of their eligibility timeline. As the rules take effect this fall, it will be interesting to see how Baylor and other local Division I schools adapt to the new eligibility model and how it affects their competitive landscape. The changes may also influence the decisions of local athletes who are considering transferring or seeking medical waivers, as the new rules will all but eliminate these options.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Eager to lessen the chaos of the transfer portal era and court fights with players trying to extend their careers, the NCAA approved a new eligibility model for Division I athletes on Tuesday that will allow five seasons of competition over a five-year period that begins with their full-time enro...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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