NCAA Adopts Age-Based Eligibility Model Amid Growing NIL Litigation

NCAA eligibility rule changes won't solve junior hockey recruitment woes

Business as usual still a moving target as teams grapple with prospect of losing players to U.S. colleges

NCAA Adopts Age-Based Eligibility Model Amid Growing NIL Litigation

By Tyla A. Swinton As name, image, and likeness (“NIL”) related litigation continues to rise, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (“NCAA”) has sought to restore a sense of order and streamline sport-specific eligibility guidance that, according to NCAA President Charlie Baker, was “difficult to administer.”[1]  On June 23, 2026, the NCAA Division I Cabinet (the “Cabinet”) unanimously voted to adopt a single age-based eligibility model a…