Skip to content

NCAA amends certification requirements for agents

Nathaniel S. Butler / National Basketball Association / Getty

The NCAA announced an amendment to its controversial new certification process, eliminating the requirement for potential agents to have obtained a bachelor's degree.

Certified agents without a degree who are in good standing with the NBPA can again sign prospective NBA draftees.

Monday's decision comes after several highly influential figures in basketball criticized the rule due to its limitations on agents - most notably, Rich Paul - who did not satisfy the education requirement.

The process is designed to protect collegiate athletes who are uncertain of their draft status and require an agent's assistance to decide whether to enter the draft or stay in school.

News of the rule change came just hours after Paul released an op-ed via The Athletic, voicing his displeasure with the NCAA's decision.

"NCAA executives are once again preventing young people from less prestigious backgrounds, and often people of color, from working in the system they continue to control," Paul said. "In this case, the people being locked out are kids who aspire to be an agent and work in the NBA and do not have the resources, opportunity, or desire to get a four-year degree."

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is among Paul's most distinguished clientele and has repeatedly expressed his irritation with the NCAA.

Paul played a major role in helping now Oklahoma City Thunder forward Darius Bazley secure a three-month internship worth $1 million after he decommitted from Syracuse.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox