Amari Bailey is trying to become the first basketball player to return to college after playing in NBA games. The former UCLA guard has retained an agent and attorney to challenge the NCAA’s eligibility rules for the 2026-2027 season.
The effort represents another major legal challenge to NCAA regulations for professional athletes. Bailey, 21, played 10 games for the Charlotte Hornets during his rookie season on a two-way contract before spending two years in the G League.
Bailey left UCLA after one season in 2022-2023. The 6-foot-1 guard was selected by Charlotte in the second round of the 2023 NBA draft. He was released in the summer.
“Right now I would be a senior in college,” Bailey told ESPN. “I’m not trying to play college athletics as a 27-year-old. There’s no shade for the guys who do; that’s their journey. But I started playing professionally and learned a lot, experienced a lot. So why not me?”
NCAA President Charlie Baker stated in December that the association would make players who have signed NBA contracts ineligible. Senior Vice President Tim Buckley reiterated this position when asked about Bailey’s case. Congress should strengthen the rules to prevent professional athletes from making their way back to college competition, Buckley said.
Alabama forward Charles Bediako recently won a state court order allowing him to play despite signing a two-way NBA contract. The NCAA also allowed James Nnaji, a 2023 draft pick who played professionally in Europe, to join Baylor’s roster.
Bailey’s attorney, Elliot Abrams, helped former North Carolina football player Tez Walker regain NCAA eligibility in 2023. Abrams argues that there is no real justification for banning college-age players from returning to school.
Bailey earned $565,000 from his professional contract. He claims that many top college players now earn similar amounts through direct tuition payments and other compensation.
“It’s not a stunt,” Bailey said. “I’m really serious about going back. I just want to improve my game, change the perception of me and just show that I can win.”
Bailey plans to contact schools soon to join their roster. Each team would have to petition the NCAA for a waiver, which if denied could trigger a new lawsuit.
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