While dozens of lawsuits challenge the NCAA’s eligibility rules, a new and potentially seismic case is now challenging the NCAA’s transfer portal.
On Tuesday, former SMU women’s basketball player Kyla Deck sued the NCAA and SMU, arguing the NCAA’s transfer portal window and subsequent restrictions for women’s basketball violated federal antitrust laws. Deck has asked for an injunction preventing the NCAA from enforcing its transfer portal restrictions and for damages.
If Deck is successful, the ruling would apply to only her. But because the case was filed in federal court (the Northern District of Texas Dallas Division), it could potentially set a precedent for other players.
Without a favorable ruling, the 21-page complaint reads, “Deck will lose her eligibility to complete her collegiate athletic career under the same rules as her teammates to whom the Transfer Notification Period and the new Five-Year Eligibility Rule applied following the 2025-2026 season. In turn, Deck will lose the scholarship and other opportunities that would have been available to her as she strives to complete her degree. Deck also will lose the significant Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation she would receive from playing in the 2026-2027 season.”
