Why are they leaving?: An investigation into the experiences of Division I men’s basketball athletes who enter the transfer portal

Historically, transfer rules within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) have been prohibitive, limiting the autonomy of college athletes. In recent years, the NCAA introduced the transfer portal which does not require athletes to notify their current institution when they plan to transfer or necessitate they sit out a year the first time they transfer. The process and culture around transferring has changed drastically, prompting further exploration into the movement between schools and conferences. This study employed a phenomenological research design by conducting two rounds of interviews to uncover the lived experiences of Division I men’s basketball athletes from one university who entered the transfer portal and left their institution following the 2021-2022 season. Two semi-structured interviews, one season apart, were conducted with three athletes, examining questions around team culture, relationships with staff and teammates, and indicators of well-being. Findings suggest it was the relationship with their coaches, or lack thereof, that severely influenced their decision to enter the transfer portal. Overall, athletes felt supported by their teammates, but that was not enough to change their experience on the team. Following their transfer, athletes confirmed the importance of their player-coach relationship in their college athlete experience, and reflected on the ever-changing environment of college basketball as a business. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.