The NCAA approved a new transfer window for men’s and women’s basketball. Following a recommendation from both the men\u2019s and women\u2019s basketball oversight committees, the amendment entails a 15-day period opening after the conclusion of each respective national championship games.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For the 2026 season, that means the women’s basketball transfer window will be open from April 6 through April 20, while the men’s basketball window will run from April 7 through April 21.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The 15-day window will also apply to teams who make coaching changes. When a new coach is hired, a 15-day window will open within five days after their hiring. If a new coach is hired outside 30 days of the previous coach\u2019s departure, and if the 31st day is after the national championship game, a 15-day window will then open. That additional window is only available after the portal window opens through Jan. 2.<\/p>\n
The NCAA Division I men\u2019s and women\u2019s basketball oversight committees officially proposed the new transfer window in November 2025, and the proposal went under review during this week\u2019s NCAA Convention. Both committees reportedly<\/a> argued in favor of a transfer window after the national championship games concluded.<\/p>\n These changes fulfill desires expressed by numerous college basketball coaches, who have been displeased with the previous practices of the transfer window opening during March Madness. In the past, a mid-postseason transfer window could take attention away from postseason basketball and force coaches to balance efforts between managing the transfer portal and coaching their team to a national championship. \u00a0<\/p>\n