Story perspectives

Judge Orders NCAA to Grant Fifth Season to Athletes

8/2/2026

Summary

Sweeney Orders Fifth-Season

Judge Charlotte Sweeney August 1 2026 issued an injunction ordering the NCAA to grant a fifth season to Division I athletes who started in 2022-23.
The order applies to sports, opens a transfer-portal window Aug 3-10, and restores eligibility for 2022 class who claim the “five-for-five” rule breaches antitrust law.
The NCAA will appeal to Tenth Circuit, while Big Ten leaders backed Protect College Sports Act and President Charlie Baker warned of roster chaos.

Summary

Nebraska Keeps Lawrence

Nebraska will keep guard Jamarques Lawrence for a fifth season via the NCAA’s grandfather clause, preserving roster spot within the 15-man cap.
Gonzaga’s loss of guard Mario Saint-Supéry, Arizona’s hunt for an extra forward, and Oregon’s pursuit of former Memphis guard Dug McDaniel show the ruling forces programs to reshuffle budgets.
Former Michigan State scorer Jaxon Kohler and Orlando Magic summer-league player Tre Holloman could rejoin college, indicating an influx of NBA-linked talent.

History

Historical Context

Ed O'Bannon, the ninth overall pick in the 1995 NBA draft, secured a 2014 antitrust win against the NCAA that barred athlete compensation and ended NCAA video games, a precedent reinforced by the Supreme Court’s 2021 Alston decision allowing name-image-likeness deals. Judge Charlotte Sweeney’s August 1 2026 injunction forces the 2022-23 cohort to receive a fifth season, reshaping Power-Five recruiting and budgets.

1 of 3

Sweeney Orders Fifth-Season

Judge Charlotte Sweeney August 1 2026 issued an injunction ordering the NCAA to grant a fifth season to Division I athletes who started in 2022-23.
The order applies to sports, opens a transfer-portal window Aug 3-10, and restores eligibility for 2022 class who claim the “five-for-five” rule breaches antitrust law.
The NCAA will appeal to Tenth Circuit, while Big Ten leaders backed Protect College Sports Act and President Charlie Baker warned of roster chaos.

1 / 3