The ACC Board of Directors unanimously adopted a resolution Thursday, directing the Commissioner to enforce certain eligibility requirements when an athlete seeks to return to collegiate participation after intentionally pursuing a professional career.
Under the resolution, an ACC member institution is not permitted to include an individual on its football or men’s or women’s basketball roster when that individual has:
• Previously declared for an NFL, NBA, or WNBA Draft, and did not appropriately withdraw consistent with NCAA requirements to retain eligibility;
• Signed a contract with the NFL (or other professional football league), NBA/G-League, or WNBA (or affiliate) or any team that is a member of any such league. For the NBA Summer League, a contract means an Exhibit 10, a Two-Way Contract, or any agreement providing for compensation beyond expenses and a per diem; or
• Been listed on any roster for an NFL (or other professional football league), NBA/G-League, or WNBA (or affiliate) team.
The ACC says the action shows the conference's commitment to preserving college sports as an opportunity for college students that is clearly distinct from professional sports, protecting opportunities for current and future student-athletes, and promoting competitive equity.
The ACC move follows similar direction from the other Power 4 conferences (Big 10, Big 12, SEC) regarding athletes returning to their former teams after exploring a professional sports career.