The NCAA confirmed Wednesday that it is exploring a shift toward an age-based eligibility model that would give athletes a five-year window to compete in Division I beginning immediately after their high school graduation or their 19th birthday, whichever comes first.
The Division I Cabinet discussed the possibility in meetings that concluded Wednesday without voting on whether to take a formal position. The Cabinet supports NCAA staff continuing to discuss the idea with other stakeholders to gather feedback and further discuss ways it would be phased in. Their next meeting is scheduled for May 22.
The Cabinet said the new model would include possible exceptions for circumstances such as pregnancy, military service and religious missions.
The age-based model is similar to an idea included in an executive order issued by President Donald Trump on April 3.
Currently, athletes are generally allowed four seasons of competition over five years with no age restrictions.
The possibility of an age-based model comes after numerous athletes have challenged the NCAA's eligibility rules in lawsuits hoping to extend their college careers and their ability to earn money through revenue sharing and name, image and likeness deals.
During its meetings, the Cabinet approved changes to preregistration eligibility rules, including one that would prohibit athletes who entered and remained in a professional sports draft from competing in college.
One of the rules requires prospects to withdraw from professional league drafts, including the NBA draft, to align the rules of the pre-college enrollment draft with the rules of the post-college enrollment draft. Ice hockey and men's baseball would not be affected because athletes do not opt to participate in drafts for those sports.
The change came after two basketball players, Alabama's Charles Bediako and Baylor's James Nnaji, played in college this season after entering the 2023 NBA draft.
Bediako played two seasons at Alabama and entered the draft. He was not selected but played three years in the G League, the NBA's minor league. He played in five games last season before the Alabama Supreme Court upheld a ruling that made him ineligible.
Nnaji was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in the second round. He played professionally overseas before enrolling as a freshman at Baylor in December. He was granted eligibility because he had never signed an NBA contract or played in the G League. Under the new rules, he would not be eligible in 2026-27.
In other changes, athletes can sign with agents before registering for purposes other than name, image and likeness and can accept prize money in their respective sports without affecting eligibility.
ESPN's Pete Thamel and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
