The NCAA D-I Cabinet on Tuesday agreed to “adopt a proposal that would require pre-college basketball players to withdraw from the NBA Draft if they want to retain college eligibility,” according to Ralph Russo of THE ATHLETIC. Changing the draft rules would “affect all opt-in drafts,” such as the NBA and NFL, but “would not include” MLB and the NHL. The changes would go into effect for athletes entering school for the 2026-27 academic year. The change would prevent a player such as James Nnaji, who did not play in college before he was drafted by the Pistons in 2023, from “being eligible to play college basketball next year.” Nnaji’s signing with Baylor last season sparked an uproar among college coaches. The new rule would “not entirely cut off the pro pipeline that has formed to college basketball,” with former G Leaguers still eligible. The NCAA hopes the next phase of age-based eligibility reform could “further stem the flow of players with pro experience from heading for college basketball, or at least more aggressively cap how long they could be eligible when they arrive.” The new pre-enrollment eligibility rules moving forward also included “allowing prospects to sign with agents before they enter college and lifting restrictions on prize money athletes can accept for competing.” The cabinet is expected to begin discussions this week on potential eligibility legislation that would “give all athletes five years of unlimited competition” starting “at the age of 19 or upon high school graduation” (THE ATHLETIC, 4/14).
NCAA to require incoming athletes to turn down draft to retain eligibility
