NCAA Transfer Portal: How Does Entering Affect Eligibility, Scholarships, and NIL Deals?
If you’re a student-athlete considering entering the NCAA transfer portal, understanding how this decision affects your eligibility, athletic scholarships, and existing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) contracts is critical. With the fall transfer portals beginning to open, here’s what you need to know.
How Does the NCAA Transfer Portal Impact Athletic Eligibility?
Under current NCAA rules, athletes who are academically eligible can transfer between schools multiple times without losing eligibility, provided they comply with official portal windows and deadlines. Graduate transfers, reclassified athletes, and those seeking hardship waivers should also pay careful attention to NCAA compliance requirements and the specific eligibility guidelines set by their future team.
Will I Lose My Scholarship After Entering the Transfer Portal?
Your athletic scholarship is not guaranteed when you enter the portal. Most colleges may withdraw your financial aid once you initiate a transfer, especially if you do not secure a roster spot at your new institution. Some programs will honor scholarships through the end of the current academic term, but mid-year transfers can lose future funding. The growing use of the transfer portal has shifted scholarship strategies, with schools reserving more awards for transfer athletes, sometimes reducing opportunities for incoming freshmen and high school prospects.
How Do NIL Contracts Change When You Transfer?
NIL contracts require special attention during a transfer, as the consequences depend on the specific terms of the contract. Most NIL deals are tied to your existing school, athletics program, or local market. Transferring may mean renegotiating these agreements or losing them if you move to a new institution with different NIL guidelines or a smaller audience. Always review contracts for clauses related to transfer, and consider consulting an attorney familiar with NCAA and NIL rules to protect your interests.
Key Questions to Ask Before Entering the Portal
Am I academically eligible and compliant with the NCAA transfer window?
What will happen to my current scholarship if I transfer?
Can my NIL endorsements or brand partnerships be transferred or renegotiated?
Does my new program or conference have unique NIL or eligibility policies?
Do I understand all deadlines, reporting requirements, and possible risks?
Making an informed decision about the transfer portal is vital for your college athletics future. Christine Brown & Partners has extensive experience with NCAA transfer, eligibility, scholarship, and NIL matters. Contact us today with your questions for personalized legal guidance and athlete advocacy.
Notification of Transfer Windows
Fall Sports
Cross Country: November 22, 2025-December 21, 2025
Field Hockey: November 16, 2025 - December 15, 2025
Football (FBS): January 2, 2026 - January 16, 2026
Football (FCS): January 2, 2026 - January 16, 2026
Men’s Soccer: November 24, 2025 - December 23, 2025
Women’s Soccer: November 17, 2025 - December 16, 2025
Triathlon: November 5, 2025 - December 4, 2025
Women’s Volleyball: December 7, 2025 - January 5, 2026
Men’s Water Polo: December 1, 2025 - December 30, 2025
*Spring Window (for Fall sports other than Football): May 1, 2026 - May 15, 2026
Winter Sports
Men’s Basketball: March 23, 2026 - April 21, 2026
Women’s Basketball: March 24, 2026 - April 22, 2026
Women’s Bowling: April 1, 2026 - May 15, 2026
Equestrian: April 8, 2026 - May 22, 2026
Fencing: March 17, 2026 - April 30, 2026
Men’s Gymnastics: April 14, 2026 - May 28, 2026
Women’s Gymnastics: March 30, 2026 - May 13, 2026
Men’s Ice Hockey: March 29, 2026 - May 12, 2026
Women’s Ice Hockey: March 15, 2026 - April 28, 2026
Rifle: March 2, 2026 - April 15, 2026
Skiing: March 10, 2026 - April 23, 2026
Men’s Swimming and Diving: March 18, 2026 - May 1, 2026
Women’s Swimming and Diving: March 11, 2026 - April 24, 2026
Indoor Track and Field: March 10, 2026 - April 23, 2026
Men’s Wrestling: March 18, 2026 - May 1, 2026
Women’s Wrestling: March 2, 2026 - April 15, 2026
Spring Sports
*Fall Window (for all Spring Sports): December 1, 2025 - December 15, 2025
Baseball: June 1, 2026 - June 30, 2026
Women’s Beach Volleyball: May 3, 2026 - June 1, 2026
Men’s Golf: May 13, 2026 - June 11, 2026
Women’s Golf: May 6, 2026 - June 4, 2026
Lacrosse: May 10, 2026 - June 8, 2026
Women’s Rowing: May 26, 2026 - June 24, 2026
Softball: May 26, 2026 - June 24, 2026
Tennis: May 4, 2026 - June 2, 2026
Outdoor Track and Field: May 28, 2026 - June 26, 2026
Men’s Volleyball: May 3, 2026 - June 1, 2026
Women’s Water Polo: May 4, 2026 - June 2, 2026
