Big Ten adopts new basketball eligibility rule for professional players

The Big Ten Conference has unanimously adopted a new rule regarding the eligibility of men’s and women’s basketball players. Under the new regulation, players are prohibited from maintaining athletic eligibility at a conference institution if they have signed a professional contract with the NBA, WNBA, or G League, or if they were on a roster for any such team at any point.

The rule also applies to players who declared for the NBA or WNBA Draft but failed to withdraw or declare an intent to return to college within the required timeframe. The conference noted that it is currently evaluating similar potential restrictions for professional athletes in other sports.

The new policy does not appear to impact Indiana University center Sam Alexis. Although Alexis participated in the NBA Summer League for the Oklahoma City Thunder, he has not signed a formal professional contract or been on an official professional roster, which should allow him to remain eligible for the 2026-27 season.