Colorado Judge Grants Extra Year of Eligibility to NCAA Athletes

A federal judge in Colorado has issued a preliminary injunction that may allow NCAA athletes from the high school class of 2022 to gain an extra year of eligibility. This ruling, made by Judge Charlotte Sweeney of the U.S. District Court, affects athletes who completed four seasons of eligibility this spring, permitting them to compete in the upcoming season.

The temporary restraining order will open the transfer portal on August 3, closing a week later. It applies to all individuals who played NCAA Division I sports during the 2022-2023 season and completed their eligibility by the end of the 2025-2026 season, thus allowing them to play a fifth season.

This decision follows the introduction of a new five-for-five eligibility model in college athletics, which grants athletes five years to play five seasons. The ruling has raised concerns among coaches and teams, as many have already finalized their rosters for the 2026-27 season. The NCAA president has criticized the ruling, and while it could lead to significant changes in college basketball, an appeal from the NCAA is anticipated.