LSDBi
Division I Proposal - 2026-7
PLAYING AND PRACTICE SEASONS -- PRESEASON PRACTICE SCRIMMAGES/EXHIBITION CONTESTS -- BASKETBALL -- UP TO THREE
Status: Adopted Final
Intent: In basketball, to permit an institution to play up to three basketball practice scrimmages or exhibition contests against four-year collegiate institutions prior to the first contest date. Further, to permit an institution to exempt up to three preseason practice scrimmages or exhibition contests each year against four-year collegiate institutions from an institution's maximum number of contests.
Bylaws: Amend 17.5, as follows:
17.5 Basketball. Regulations for computing the basketball playing season are set forth in Bylaw 17.1. (See Figure 17-1 and Figure 17-2.)
[17.5.1 through 17.5.2 unchanged.]
17.5.3 First Contest.
[17.5.3-(a) through 17.5.3-(b) unchanged.]
17.5.3.1 Exception -- Practice Scrimmages/Exhibition Contests. An institution may play up to two three basketball practice scrimmages or exhibition contests (or one of each) against four-year collegiate institutions (which shall not count toward the institution's won-lost record) prior to the first contest date specified in Bylaw 17.5.3. Such scrimmages and contests shall not occur after the first contest date. Preseason practice scrimmages and/or exhibition contests may not occur at a prospective student-athlete’s educational institution or a facility that is regularly used by prospective student-athletes for practice or competition.
[17.5.4 through 17.5.5 unchanged.]
17.5.5.6 Annual Exemptions. The following basketball contests each year may be exempted from an institution's maximum number of contests:
[17.5.5.6-(a) through 17.5.5.6-(f) unchanged.]
(g) Preseason Practice Scrimmages/Exhibition Contests. Up to two three preseason practice scrimmages or exhibition contests (or one of each) each year against four-year collegiate institutions.
[17.5.5.6-(h) unchanged.]
[17.5.6 through 17.5.8 unchanged.]
Source: NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Basketball Oversight Committees
Effective Date:August 1, 2026
Proposal Category: Amendment
Topical Area: Playing and Practice Seasons
Rationale: This proposal assists with student-athlete preparation and readiness for regular season competition, provides teams with an additional game-like opportunity to adjust to new teammates given roster turnover rates and provides increased exposure for college basketball.
Division I Commitment addressed by proposal: The Commitment to Fair Competition.
Is the proposal consequential or nationally significant?: Yes. Rules on preseason practice scrimmages and exhibition contests are nationally significant.
Is the proposal enforceable and how do the merits outweigh monitoring burdens?: Yes. The opportunity to participate in an additional preseason practice scrimmage or exhibition contest outweighs any additional monitoring burdens.
How does the proposal support student-athlete success/well-being?: This proposal provides an additional opportunity for student-athletes to participate in preseason practice scrimmages and exhibitions contests.
Estimated Budget Impact: Varies by institution.
Impact on Student-Athlete's Time (Academic and/or Athletics): None.
History
| Jan 27, 2026: | In Progress | |
| Feb 27, 2026: | In Progress | Adopted by the Men's Basketball Oversight Committee and Women's Basketball Oversight Committee pending review by the Division I Cabinet. |
| Apr 15, 2026: | Adopted Final | No Cabinet action. |
Legislative References
| Division | Number | Title |
|---|---|---|
| I | 17.5 | Basketball. |
| I | 17.5.3 | First Contest. |
| I | 17.5.3.1 | Exception -- Practice Scrimmages/Exhibition Contests. |
| I | 17.5.5.6 | Annual Exemptions. |