NCAA athletes will be immediately eligible to play no matter how many times they transfer — as long as they meet academic requirements — after the association fast-tracked legislation Wednesday to fall in line with a recent court order.
The NCAA announced the Division I Council's decision becomes official Thursday when its meeting adjourns. The change still needs to be ratified by the DI Board next week, but that is expected.
The new rules will go into effect immediately, though in reality they have already been enacted through a lawsuit filed late last year.
Transfer windows, which are sport-specific, remain in place and require undergraduate athletes to enter their names into the portal at certain times to be immediately eligible at a new school. Graduate students can already transfer multiple times and enter the portal outside the windows while maintaining immediate eligibility.
A coalition of state attorneys general late last year sued the NCAA, challenging rules that forced athletes that wanted to transfer multiple-times as undergraduates to sit out a season with their new school.
A judge in West Virginia granted the plaintiffs a temporary injunction, lifting requirements for multiple-time transfers to request a waiver from the NCAA to be immediately eligible to compete.
The NCAA quickly requested the injunction be kept in place throughout the remaining school year to clear up any ambiguity for athletes and schools. The association has had to issue guidance to its members to clarify what that means for next season. Now the rules match the court ruling.
By eliminating the so-called year-in-residence for transfers, an athlete must be academically eligible at the previous school and not subject to any disciplinary suspension or dismissal to compete immediately at a new school. Transferring athletes must also meet progress-toward-degree requirements before competing.
“We hope that this practical approach to transfer eligibility requirements will encourage student-athletes to make well-informed decisions about transferring and the impacts such a move could have on their ability to graduate on time in their degree of choice, particularly as it relates to transferable credits,” Florida deputy athletic director and council chairwoman Lynda Tealer said in a statement.
The board will ask the committee on academics to explore creating a new metric — similar to the NCAA's Academic Progress Rating — that would hold schools accountable for graduating the transfers they accept.
The portal windows are currently open for both football and basketball, and the lifting of restrictions on multiple-time transfers has led to an uptick in athletes looking to switch schools.
In a notable move that would not have been permissible without a waiver under previous rules, Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor entered the portal in January after Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban retired, committed to Iowa, but then changed his mind during the spring and has reentered the portal with the intention to reenroll at Alabama.
The DI Council also moved forward on legislation that would allow schools to be more actively involved in securing sponsorship deals for their athletes. Schools could still not directly pay athletes, but they could facilitate NIL opportunities between third parties and athletes.
AP Sports Writer John Raby in Charleston, West Virginia, contributed to this report.
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FILE - South Carolina players work out during a practice at the Women's Final Four NCAA college college basketball tournament, Saturday, April 2, 2022, in Minneapolis. NCAA athletes will be immediately eligible to play no matter how many times they transfer — as long as they meet academic requirements — after the association fast-tracked legislation Wednesday, April 17, 2024, to fall in line with a recent court order. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
FILE - Wachovia Center operations manager Jim McDonald, left, and carpenter foreman Tim Allen remove the protective film covering the NCAA logo at mid-court on the center's basketball court, Wednesday, March 15, 2006, in Philadelphia. NCAA athletes will be immediately eligible to play no matter how many times they transfer — as long as they meet academic requirements — after the association fast-tracked legislation Wednesday, April 17, 2024, to fall in line with a recent court order. (Ed Hille/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP, FIie)
PUNTA CACIQUE, Costa Rica--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 22, 2025--
Punta Cacique, a visionary luxury resort and residential development on Costa Rica’s pristine Cacique Peninsula, in the province of Guanacaste, proudly announces the grand opening of the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique, the first Waldorf Astoria in Costa Rica. This premier property marks the beginning of a multi-phase project that will introduce a series of resorts, residences, and wellness-driven amenities, redefining what it means to visit and live at the nexus of luxury and authenticity within the expansive 600-acre development.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250422703446/en/
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique Resort
Strategically located just 25 minutes from Liberia International Airport, which services more than 15 airlines and nearly two million passengers annually (a more than 20-fold increase since 2000), and nestled between the vibrant beach towns of Playa Del Coco and Playa Hermosa, Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique offers guests and residents an unmatched blend of luxury and connection to local culture.
The property features 188 luxurious resort rooms (including 40 suites) and 40 private residences, all thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the landscape. Every guest room on the property offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the spectacular coastline. Beyond the guestrooms, guests and residents can enjoy a multi-tiered pool, idyllic beachfront with cabanas and loungers, six distinct restaurants showcasing local ingredients, and a 17,000 square foot wellness sanctuary featuring a spa, gym, and movement studio. Dedicated kids’ and teen clubs provide engaging offerings for younger travelers.
The Punta Cacique Community
Revolution Places—the hospitality and real estate arm of Revolution LLC, a D.C.-based investment firm led by AOL Co-founder, Steve Case—first purchased the land in 2006. Revolution spent more than a decade searching for the right partners to develop the property before teaming up with Waldorf Astoria, the globally respected hospitality brand that in recent years has doubled down on delivering exceptional resorts and branded residential communities.
“When you arrive at Punta Cacique, you know immediately that you are in a special place,” said Steve Case, Chairman and CEO of Revolution Places. “The luxury and comfort level of the Waldorf, coupled with its track record of incredible service, made them the perfect partner to help unveil Punta Cacique.”
“Punta Cacique will offer the best of both worlds to guests and residents who come to Costa Rica seeking immersive luxury in a Blue Zone setting,” said Neal Herman, President of Punta Cacique. “This resort presents an opportunity to stay in a luxurious environment with unique amenities while also remaining deeply connected to the real Costa Rica. With easy access to nearby beach communities and beyond, Punta Cacique will serve as a basecamp, connecting guests and residents to exploration across the country.”
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique Residences
The Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique Residences, designed by Garnier & Garnier, RoblesArq, Gensler, and EDSA, includes 20 estate homes and 20 condominium residences. With the condominium building sold out and nearing completion, the next phase—a limited collection of four- and five-bedroom estate homes—has officially launched, with the first deliveries scheduled for this summer. Each home is fully furnished and thoughtfully designed with expansive spaces, private pools, spacious outdoor terraces, and stunning ocean views. Residents will have full access to the resort and exclusive use of community amenities.
“Growing up in Hawaii, I saw firsthand how the economy evolved from agriculture to tourism, and how that transformation strengthened Hawaii’s economy and increased the value of resort real estate,” added Case. “Guanacaste is now on a similar journey, offering a rare chance to invest in an extraordinary and accessible destination, while it remains an emerging opportunity.”
To explore available residences, please visit waldorfastoriaresidencescostarica.com
Costa Rica in Demand
Brimming with wildlife, beaches, and rainforests, Costa Rica is world-renowned for its natural beauty. But what makes this Central American country 2024’s Travel& Leisure’sDestinationof the Year, and an increasingly popular hub for North American expats, goes far beyond geography. Costa Rica has emerged as a global leader in sustainability, thanks to its vast protected lands and strong commitment to sustainable travel.
Costa Rica’s year-round alignment with Central Standard Time makes it especially convenient for North American travelers, allowing for minimal jet lag whether visiting for vacation, remote work, or both. In the Guanacaste region, visitors enjoy a tropical savanna climate with a sunny dry season from December to April and a lush green season from May to November. With temperatures consistently ranging from the mid-70s to low 90s Fahrenheit (24–35°C), Punta Cacique offers a warm, inviting atmosphere throughout the year.
Beyond its natural appeal, Costa Rica boasts exceptional infrastructure. The country runs almost entirely on renewable energy, offers reliable high-speed internet and mobile coverage, and is served by two international airports—San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR). Well-maintained roads and a reliable healthcare system further enhance peace of mind. The region’s extraordinary biodiversity—home to 5% of the world’s species—adds to its allure.
Despite its growth, Costa Rica has steadfastly preserved its genial and unhurried spirit. "Pura Vida" is more than a saying; it’s a way of life. At Punta Cacique, guests and residents can experience this ethos firsthand. Whether staying for a brief vacation or a longer stay at a residence, Punta Cacique offers a launchpad to the natural and cultural wonders of Costa Rica.
About Punta Cacique
Punta Cacique is a premier luxury resort and residential community located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. Spanning 600 acres of oceanfront and hillside terrain, Punta Cacique is designed to offer a seamless blend of world-class hospitality, sustainable development, and convenient access to a wide range of authentic Costa Rican experiences. Anchored by the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique, the community will feature a curated collection of luxury resorts, private residences, and thoughtfully integrated amenities. Just 25 minutes from Liberia International Airport and adjacent to the vibrant beach towns of Playa del Coco and Playa Hermosa, Punta Cacique is a gateway to both relaxation and adventure on Costa Rica’s storied Gold Coast. Learn more at punta-cacique.com.
About Revolution Places
Revolution Places invests in unique real estate and hospitality opportunities that promote new models for travel and tourism based on healthy lifestyles, sustainable luxury, and appreciation for the natural environment. Revolution Places is part of Revolution LLC, a D.C.-based investment firm led by AOL Co-founder, Steve Case. Learn more at https://revolution.com/entity/places/.
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique Resort is the first property to open in the luxury Punta Cacique community
