ACC finally votes to ban professionals

August 27, 2026 - ACC finally votes to ban professional from returning to college

The ACC finally voted to ban professional athletes from returning to college to play college sports. The board of directors passed the resolution unanimously.

This ban includes "players who had previously declared for the NFL, NBA or WNBA drafts and did not withdraw before the draft; players who signed with the NFL or another professional football league, NBA/G League or WNBA; or any player listed on any roster for an NFL or other professional football league, NBA/G League or WNBA team. "

In a statement, the ACC, "The Board's action reflects the ACC'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 is the fourth and final Power Four conference to ban professionals from returning. It’s expected these bans will be challenged in court.

GO CANES!