The Division I Basketball Oversight Committees recently presented a new plan to change the way preseason practices and foreign tours are handled. This proposal, still awaiting approval from the Division I Cabinet in April, aims to help student-athletes prepare better for the regular season.
Preseason Changes
Under the new guidelines, teams could have up to three preseason scrimmages or exhibition games against other four-year schools starting in the 2026-27 academic year. The primary goal is to give players more practice and exposure.
Currently, teams are limited to two such games. The committees believe more preseason action will boost visibility for college basketball.
Foreign Tours Made Easier
Another key part of the proposal is allowing each team to take one foreign tour each year. Currently, schools can only go on international trips once every four years. This change aims to enrich the student-athlete experience by offering more diverse competition.
Flexible Summer Training
The committees also want to enhance summer training. They proposed removing the limit that restricts skill instruction to just four of the eight weekly practice hours. If approved, coaches would have greater flexibility in how they divide these hours between skill training and weightlifting.
Additionally, almost any team staff member could provide technical instruction, which is a shift from the current rules that restrict this to a select few coaches.
Recruiting Changes
On the recruiting front, the committees proposed allowing high school freshmen to take unofficial visits. This aligns men’s basketball with existing women’s basketball rules, which currently allow these visits beginning in the sophomore year.
What the Experts Say
Experts in college sports emphasize that these changes could lead to more competitive teams and well-rounded student-athletes. “Increasing the number of preseason games and foreign tours could significantly improve athletic skills and cultural exposure,” says Dr. Andrew Kelly, a sports management professor. “It’s a win-win for both the schools and the players.”
Recent Trends
Social media reactions to these proposals have been mixed. Some fans are excited about the potential for increased competition and exposure, while others worry about the implications of deregulated training and recruiting practices. A recent survey indicated that over 70% of student-athletes support more practice opportunities, suggesting widespread appeal for the proposed changes.
In summary, these proposed adjustments to the Division I basketball rules could reshape the landscape of college sports. They aim to foster better training, broaden recruiting options, and ultimately enhance the experiences of student-athletes while connecting them more closely with their sport.
For the latest updates on the proposals, you can view the NCAA’s official announcements here.
