09/20/2026
In February 2025, the NCAA changed its transgender participation policy across all three divisions. Under the updated rule, athletes assigned male at birth may not compete on NCAA women’s teams, although they may still practice with those teams and receive other student-athlete benefits.
The men’s category remains open to otherwise eligible athletes regardless of s*x assigned at birth or gender identity, provided they meet all other NCAA eligibility requirements. Athletes using banned substances such as testosterone must still complete the NCAA’s medical-exception process.
The policy took effect immediately and replaced the NCAA’s previous transgender eligibility framework, marking a major shift in how participation in men’s and women’s college sports is defined.
