KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics membership approved legislation Wednesday, Nov. 4, expanding student-athlete eligibility from four seasons to five beginning in fall 2027.
The change could allow qualifying Valley City State University student-athletes to compete for an additional season while continuing their education. Access to a fifth season will depend on academic progress, remaining terms of attendance and all other NAIA eligibility requirements.
The new model ties eligibility to academic progress rather than age. Student-athletes must complete the required credit hours and satisfy the association's other eligibility standards to participate in a fifth season.
The five seasons do not have to be consecutive, allowing flexibility for students whose educational paths include time away from school or periods of part-time enrollment.
NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr said the legislation gives student-athletes greater flexibility to pursue their academic and athletic goals while providing additional time to develop and prepare for life after college sports.
The NAIA Council of Presidents proposed the legislation in September before the membership approved it Nov. 4.
The change may also provide opportunities for transfer student-athletes. Expiration of an NCAA five-year eligibility clock will not automatically prevent a student from competing in the NAIA. Previous participation and enrollment history will determine whether a transfer has eligibility remaining under NAIA rules.
The additional season will be available to qualifying students who entered the 2026-27 academic year with eligibility remaining and have sufficient terms of attendance available. Student-athletes who exhausted their four seasons before the 2026-27 academic year will not have eligibility restored.
The legislation does not guarantee every current student-athlete an additional season. Each student must meet the applicable academic, participation and attendance requirements.
For more information about the eligibility change, visit the NAIA's Path Forward Task Force page.
