ACC joins other Power Four conferences in banning pro athletes from returning
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 12:55 AM
Last updated Aug 28, 2026

The Atlantic Coast Conference has decided to join the Big Ten, SEC, and Big 12 in prohibiting professional athletes from returning to college sports. The ACC’s ban pertains to athletes from the NFL, NBA, and WNBA. This follows similar actions by the other conferences, which have varied in their specific prohibitions. Duke football coach Manny Diaz commented on the implications for school morale and player eligibility. The coordination on this rule among the Power Four signals a unified stance on the separation between professional and collegiate athletics. This decision may lead to further discussions and potential legal challenges regarding athlete eligibility.
- •ACC becomes the final Power conference to implement the ban.
- •Ban applies to athletes from the NFL, NBA, and WNBA.
- •Previous actions by Big Ten, SEC, and Big 12 also addressed similar issues.
- •Duke's Manny Diaz expressed concerns over player morale and eligibility.
- •The move may provoke future legal challenges.
- 12:55 AMYahoo Sports — The ACC Joins The Big Ten, SEC & Big 12 Actually Agree On Something
"All Power Four conferences are now largely in agreement on this issue
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