NBA Announced Only 71 Players Have Filed as Early Entry Candidates for NBA Draft 2026
Things have definitely changed. It used to be the dream to make it to the Pros. However, now more athletes are electing to stay in school instead of declaring for the draft. In just half a decade numbers have dropped from over 360 early draftees to less than a 100. Wild. On Tuesday evening, the NBA announced that only 71 players have filed as early entry candidates for NBA Draft 2026.
The full announcement regarding the upcoming draft included the number of early candidates along with some draft rules. It states:
“The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today that 71 players have filed as early entry candidates for NBA Draft 2026, which will be held Tuesday, June 23 (First Round) and Wednesday June 24 (Second Round) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Players who have applied for early entry have the right to withdraw their names from consideration for the Draft by notifying the NBA of their decision in writing no later than 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 13. Under NCAA rules, in order to retain college basketball eligibility, college players who have entered NBA Draft 2026 must withdraw by Wednesday, May 27.”
Jonathan Givony who has been providing in-depth NBA Draft analysis for over 20 years had this to say about today’s announcement:
“The NIL era is flipping the NBA Draft on its head.
Only 71 players entered the 2026 NBA Draft, per the NBA. Down from 106 last year and a peak of 363 in 2021.
That’s the lowest early-entrant total since 2003.
College basketball stars are staying in school, overwhelmingly.”
NBA Announced Only 71 Players Have Filed as Early Entry Candidates for NBA Draft 2026
NIL is a very attractive reason to stay put instead of moving to the next level. However, it is not entirely the fault of student athletes. When NIL was introduced and till this very moment there have not been any real parameters introduced. Having financial and incentive limits in place could have made a difference.
But depending on how one chooses to look at it, this is still a win for the NBA and athletes. There’s not enough spots in the league anyway; so really the only ones with a real shot and chance at making it will be encouraged to enter the draft. Additionally, before going to the G-league athletes will have a chance to make more money.
Therefore, now we find ourselves in a fresh era of sports. Student athletes have more choices in how to get paid for their gifts, abilities and talents. And ultimately can figure out what is best for their career. Will change occur? Most likely, but for now this is the new sports order.
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