Basketball star Caitlin Clark recently expressed her concerns regarding the current state of the NCAA transfer portal during an appearance on the "New Heights" podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce. Clark argued that the ease with which athletes can switch schools has eroded the amateur spirit of college sports, likening the current landscape to "minor league football." She advocated for a return to the previous system, where transferring athletes had to sit out a year before playing for their new team, with exceptions for cases involving coaching changes. Clark pointed out the increasing frequency of athletes playing for multiple schools throughout their college careers, a trend she finds "egregious." She also criticized the influence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals on player decisions, highlighting how financial negotiations are now often publicly reported and factored into university choices.

Travis Kelce, who played college football at the University of Cincinnati, echoed Clark's sentiments, expressing his preference for the "old school" approach to transfers. His brother, Jason, also weighed in, criticizing players who leave their teams before the playoffs, advocating for a stronger commitment between athletes and their universities. Clark, who played her entire college career at Iowa, emphasized her belief that the rampant transferring has diminished the unique appeal of college sports, which she believes should maintain a distinct separation from professional leagues. The discussion highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding the transfer portal and its impact on the NCAA, particularly in light of recent rule changes and legal challenges concerning athlete compensation and mobility.