FreeGame August 2026

August 31, 2026

FreeGame Mgmt -- Looking Back at August

August is usually supposed to be one of the quieter months on the basketball calendar, but the NCAA had other plans. Between another month of lawsuits and eligibility changes, athletes heading back to campus, and an incredible FreeGame produced event in NYC, August quickly became another busy month for the team!

Here’s a look back at what we were up to:

Another Month... Another Eligibility Update

We entered August with another major development surrounding the NCAA's new 5-in-5 eligibility rules. A federal judge in Colorado granted a class-wide preliminary injunction impacting athletes who entered college in 2022, temporarily opening the door for them to compete for a fifth season in 2026-27. I broke down the original class-wide injunction and what it meant for athletes here: A Class-Wide Injunction Just Changed Everything. 

• usual disclaimer...  things have changed since then.

The NCAA then appealed and requested a "stay." That request was initially denied, meaning the affected athletes remained eligible while the appeal moved forward. But later in August, however, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals eventually granted the stay, which immediately, but temporarily, put the class-wide relief on hold.

For anyone trying to follow along, I don't blame you if you're confused... I was too!

In plain English: athletes who had become eligible for another season at the beginning of August were no longer automatically eligible by the end of the month. All of this happened as athletes returned to campus and teams prepared for the upcoming season...

We currently find ourselves on final rulings, and each day seems to brings a new state lawsuit. So this story seems far from over. But for the sake of clarity and stability (if that is possible), hopefully we will have some answers within the next two weeks.

Court Level: Conversations Beyond The Game

One of the highlights of August was an incredible turnout for our Court Level event in NYC, which was built around conversations that often don't get enough attention in sports. Our first panel was kicked off by former No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick Greg Oden, who opened up about everything that lives beneath the surface of being an athlete: the pressure, expectations, identity, and the stories that rarely make it into the public narrative. No polish. No filter. Just an honest conversation about the realities of an athlete's life. The second panel was led by Elena Delle Donne, two-time WNBA MVP and Olympic gold medalist; Hannah Hidalgo, one of the brightest young stars in women's college basketball; and FreeGame client Carter Booth, a professional volleyball player beginning the next chapter of her career. Together, they explored the rapidly changing landscape of women's sports, the business behind the game, and what building a personal brand looks like in this new era of sports.

• 

• 

Another panel, and maybe my personal favorite, looked at sports through an investment and entrepreneurial lens: how money moves through the industry, where new opportunities are emerging, and how the next generation of fan engagement is taking shape.

And as you might expect with a room full of former athletes, the competitive spirit is never too far away. We wrapped up Day 2 outside the conference room with some competition on the padel courts and plenty of networking afterward.

It was a great two days bringing together athletes, industry leaders, and people from across the sports ecosystem for conversations that extended well beyond what happens on the court.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Summer Session --> Back to Campus

Throughout the summer, our clients had opportunities to train, compete, develop, and prepare for the season ahead. For our college athletes, summer sessions provided a chance to adjust to new teams or build on the year before.

Now, the calendar turns. College athletes are back on campus, international players are reporting overseas, high school recruiting continues, and preseason preparation is underway.

The basketball calendar never really stops, it just changes. And through all of it, our responsibility stays the same: keep learning, keep building relationships, and keep preparing our athletes for whatever comes next.

The countdown continues... 62 days until college basketball tips off.

Kevin Tarca

Director of Basketball Strategy

If you're new here, I am the Director of Basketball Strategy here at FreeGame Management. We sit at the intersection of sports, culture, and commerce, creating opportunities for athletes at every stage.

Our mission is simple: help you win before, during, and after your playing career.

Follow along as we continue to grow an athlete-first organization, by players, for players.

---

FreeGame Merch Storefront

The FreeGame Merch store is heating up! If you want to rep the brand, check out the store below.

• discount code at checkout: KEVINTARCA