Sports News Report
League: NCAAMSport: College SportsCountry: United StatesCategory: General

Big 12 bans professional athletes from returning to college sports

6 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 12:07 AM

Last updated Aug 27, 2026

Big 12 bans professional athletes from returning to college sports
Summary

The Big 12 athletic directors have unanimously decided to prohibit professionals from returning to Big 12 schools across all sports. This decision was confirmed by sources on August 26, 2026. The change aligns the Big 12 with similar policies enacted by the Big Ten and SEC, reinforcing a commitment to amateurism in college athletics. The move reflects ongoing concerns regarding the impact of professional players on the college and aims to maintain competitive integrity among student-athletes.

Source Links
ESPN
Key Details
  • •Big 12 athletic directors reached a unanimous decision
  • •Ban applies to all sports within the conference
  • •Decision aligns Big 12 with Big Ten and SEC policies
  • •Focus on preserving amateur status in college athletics
Latest Updates
  • 12:22 AMESPN — Sources: Big 12 banning pros across all sports
  • 11:36 PMESPN — Sources: Big 12 joins Big Ten, SEC in banning pros
What they're saying
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The Big 12 athletic directors have unanimously agreed to ban professionals from returning to Big 12 schools in all sports, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel on Wednesday.

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The Big 12 athletic directors have unanimously agreed to ban professionals from returning to Big 12 schools in all sports, the conference announced on Wednesday.

Related Teams & Leagues
NCAAMCollege Sports

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