The NCAA is contemplating a shift in the transfer protocols for both men’s and women’s Division I basketball. The aim is to redesign the timing windows during which players can officially initiate their transfers. One significant change includes opening the notification-of-transfer periods for 15 days directly following the Final Fours in 2026. Should the Division I Cabinet approve these modifications in January, these adjustments will be implemented at the conclusion of the ongoing season in April 2026.

According to the new suggestions, the women’s basketball transfer window will span from April 6-20, while the men’s will run from April 7-21. Presently, these windows open after the second round of the NCAA tournament and remain accessible for 30 days. This new approach comes from a desire to postpone transfer explorations until after the championship results are finalized. Players intending to transfer must submit their names into the portal within these designated timeframes without the need to register at a new institution during this period.

The oversight committees additionally suggested changes regarding transfer eligibility connected to coaching shifts. Under the new guideline, players must engage with new coaching staff within five days post-hire, followed by a 15-day period to enter the transfer portal. In cases where a school appoints a new coach after the previous coach’s exit, players would gain a 15-day allowance to join the portal once the 30-day mark has been reached. However, coaching transitions occurring after January 1 will necessitate a wait until the April notification window opens.

The NCAA’s Division I Cabinet is due to evaluate these proposals in January. If accepted, these modifications will signify another substantial alteration in basketball transfer window timings, aligning with recent adjustments made in college football. Starting this offseason, college football players will only have one period to enter the transfer portal (January 2-16), abolishing the spring window altogether. Similar changes regarding coaching movement have been applied, enabling players a 15-day timeframe after a new coach is appointed to enter the portal.