The transfer portal has absolutely blown up in recent years, with many players seeking better opportunities due to the emergence of NIL deals. However, those who are looking to transfer for a second time in their career may have trouble doing so.
Players who want to transfer a second-time need to have a waiver accepted to do so. It was revealed in January that these waivers would become more strict. This became more clear in a memo sent to programs on Wednesday.
CBS Sports college basketball insider Jon Rothstein revealed that the NCAA sent this memo to schools that details the various reasons that transfer waivers will be declined.
Some of the reasons for a declined waiver are certainly surprising. For example, players that are upset with coaching changes or have their scholarship pulled will no longer be granted a transfer waiver. Those also looking solely to transfer because of a lack of playing time will also be declined.
Many took to social media to offer their opinion on this memo, and most seem to not be pleased by this incoming change.
It's hard for me to read this as anything other than "NCAA wants to lose in court on this, again" https://t.co/wfYMi9pcww
— 'Nata Edwards (@NataTheScribe) March 23, 2023
Will this cool down the portal? No. Will this make transfers extremely cautious? I would think so. A very interesting rule change. https://t.co/4hnPt3kBce
— RockyTopTalk (@RockyTopTalk) March 23, 2023
These changes will certainly make it increasingly important that a player makes the correct decision in the transfer portal the first time around. There now appears to be very few circumstances where second-time transfers will be granted a waiver to do so.
This change is very clearly meant to limit the number of players who are transferring. It is unclear if it will ultimately do that, but the NCAA has clearly planted its flag on the subject.