Record number of sports transfers for CIF schools recorded in 2025-26
The final statistics are in for transfers for the 2025-26 school year compiled by the 10 sections that make up the California Interscholastic Federation, and it was another record year for transfers.
There were 17,618 transfers, according to the CIF. The 2023-24 school year marked the first time the transfers exceeded 17,000 with 17,068.
The Southern Section led the way with 7,248, a record.
CIF transfer numbers for 2025-26.
(Los Angeles Times)
Transfers have been a major topic for discussions in high school sports around the country, with state associations coming up with different ideas, from making athletes ineligible for one year in Texas if they transfer for athletic reasons to offering one-time free transfers.
The CIF held a roundtable for discussions in 2025 about possible policy changes but everything has been on hold while waiting for a court case to play out that was dismissed for a second time recently.
CIF membership has been cautious about intervening or limiting transfer opportunities for fear politicians in Sacramento might get involved.