BERKELEY, Calif. (KRON) -- A new documentary is giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at how the transfer portal and (name, image and likeness) NIL have changed the way college football programs build their rosters, including at Cal. “Portal Games: Building the 2026 Cal Bears,” a collaboration b etween Cal football and NFL Films, premieres Wednesday, September 30, at 3:30 p.m. PT on FS1 as part of “NFL Films Presents.” According to Cal’s athletic department, the documentary follows the Cal Bears program over the past nine months, taking viewers inside player visits, team meetings, recruiting conversations and the process of bringing new talent to Berkeley. Stephen Curry and Warriors agree to 2-year contract extension worth $116 million, AP source says At the center of that process is the transfer portal, which allows college athletes to leave one school and transfer to another while continuing their careers. The portal has become a major tool for programs looking to add experienced players and quickly reshape their rosters. Another major change is NIL, short for “name, image and likeness.” NIL allows college athletes to earn money from endorsements, sponsorships, appearances and other opportunities involving their personal brand. The combination of NIL opportunities and the transfer portal has changed the competitive landscape of college football. Programs can now use their resources and recruiting networks to attract established players from other schools, helping some teams quickly build more competitive rosters and gain national attention. Cal's 2026 transfer class was ranked among the nation's top 15 by several outlets, according to the university. The Bears also brought back quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and added eight players who had been on College Football Playoff rosters shortly before committing to Cal. The documentary offers a look at the work that goes on behind the scenes as programs compete for that talent, from player meetings and visits to the conversations involved in building relationships with potential transfers. The project is being produced by NFL Films, the company behind “Hard Knocks” and other sports documentaries. After its television premiere, “Portal Games” will also be available on the NFL Films and Cal Football YouTube channels. ...read more read less