local
NCAA panel approves new eligibility rules giving Division I athletes 5 years to play 5 seasons
By Eric Olson, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· June 23, 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 “While previous NCAA rules have served college sports well for a long time, we heard also loud and clear from NCAA members and student-athletes that eligibility rules should be easier to understand,” NCAA President Charlie Baker said.
Why this matters in Alamo Heights News
The new NCAA eligibility rules will have a direct impact on local athletes in Alamo Heights , particularly those competing at the Division I level. With the five-year window starting at full-time enrollment or the academic year following their 19th birthday, student-athletes from Alamo Heights will have a clearer understanding of their eligibility timeline. This change may also affect the recruitment strategies of local colleges and universities, as coaches will have more predictable roster management. The elimination of waivers for injured athletes may lead to increased scrutiny of athletic programs' support for injured players, potentially influencing how local schools prioritize athlete well-being and resources. As the rules take effect this fall, Alamo Heights athletes and coaches will need to adapt to the new landscape, and local fans will be watching to see how these changes play out on the field.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights News 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 KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
Reading time: 4 min
Get more Alamo Heights News stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
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 23, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Eric Olson, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter