College Athletes Who Transfer Twice Can Play, for Now, After Judge Sets Aside NCAA Transfer Rule

West Virginia Guard RaeQuan Battle looks on prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers in Morgantown, W.Va., on Dec. 6, 2023. William Wotring/The Dominion-Post via AP

CHARLESTON, W.Va.—College athletes who were denied the chance to play immediately after transferring a second time can return to competition—for now—after a federal judge issued a 14-day temporary restraining order Wednesday against the NCAA.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey in northern West Virginia issued the order against the NCAA from enforcing the transfer rule. A lawsuit filed by West Virginia and six other states alleged the rule’s waiver process violated federal antitrust law. The order clears the way for athletes to play during the two-week period and also ensures that schools won’t be punished for allowing it.