What is NCAA Division I and how does it compare to other NCAA divisions?

NCAA Division I (D-I) is the highest division for intercollegiate athletics sanctioned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in the United States. D-I schools are characterized by having large budgets, more elaborate athletic facilities, and offering more athletic scholarships compared to institutions in NCAA Division II and Division III.

When did the NCAA change its divisional naming structure, and what were the previous terms?

The NCAA changed its divisional naming structure in 1973. Prior to this, the highest division was known as the University Division, while the lower level was called the College Division. Following the change, the University Division became Division I, and the College Division was split into Division II (for scholarship-granting or scholarship-seeking schools) and Division III (for non-scholarship schools).

How is NCAA Division I college football further categorized?

For college football specifically, NCAA Division I is further divided into the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Institutions that do not sponsor football programs are also part of Division I but are not categorized within these football subdivisions.

What are the key differences between FBS and FCS football in terms of competition and structure?

FBS teams generally offer more athletic scholarships than FCS teams and, until 2024, had minimum game-attendance requirements. The FBS is distinguished by its series of postseason bowl games, with various polls ranking teams after these events. In contrast, the FCS determines its national champion through a multi-team bracket tournament.

How many member institutions were part of NCAA Division I during the 2020-21 academic year, and how were they distributed among football subdivisions?

During the 2020-21 academic year, NCAA Division I comprised 357 of the NCAA's 1,066 member institutions. Of these, 130 were in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), 127 were in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), and 100 were non-football schools, with an additional six schools in the process of transitioning to Division I.

What financial threshold must a school meet to move from Division II to Division I?

After a moratorium that ended in 2012, any school wishing to move to Division I must be accepted for membership by a conference and demonstrate to the NCAA that it possesses the financial capacity to support a Division I program.

What was the total revenue generated by Division I athletic programs in the 2009-10 academic year, and how was it allocated by gender of sport?

In the 2009-10 academic year, NCAA Division I athletic programs generated $8.7 billion in revenue. Of this total, men's teams accounted for 55%, women's teams for 15%, and the remaining 30% was not categorized by sex or sport.

Which sports are typically considered 'revenue sports' in Division I, and why?

Football and men's basketball are typically considered the 'revenue sports' in Division I because they are usually the only sports that generate a profit for a university's athletic department. These sports often have larger fan bases and media contracts, contributing significantly to the overall athletic budget.

How did the number of men's and women's varsity teams change in NCAA Division I between 2008 and 2012?

Between 2008 and 2012, NCAA Division I saw a reduction of 205 varsity teams. This included the elimination of 72 women's teams and 133 men's teams, with men's tennis, gymnastics, and wrestling being particularly affected.

What was the financial performance difference between FBS and FCS football programs regarding positive revenue generation?

In the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), approximately 50 to 60 percent of football and men's basketball programs generated positive revenues. In contrast, within the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), only about 4 percent of football programs and 5 percent of men's basketball programs achieved positive revenues.

What financial decision did the NCAA make in April 2014 regarding student-athletes?

In April 2014, the NCAA approved legislation allowing student-athletes to receive unlimited free meals and snacks. This decision aimed to ensure student-athletes had adequate nutrition without negatively impacting their Pell Grants or other federal aid.

What are the primary sources of revenue for the NCAA, and how is this revenue distributed?

The NCAA primarily generates its annual revenue from television and marketing rights associated with the Division I Men's Basketball Championship, as well as ticket sales for all championships. Approximately 60% of this revenue, around $600 million, is distributed directly to Division I member schools and conferences, while over $150 million is allocated to fund Division I championships.

What are the minimum criteria for a Division I conference to be recognized as a 'multisport conference' by the NCAA?

To be recognized as a multisport conference, a Division I conference must have at least seven active members, with at least seven sponsoring both men's and women's basketball. It must also sponsor a minimum of 12 NCAA Division I sports, including at least six men's sports (with specific requirements for basketball and other team sports) and six women's sports (including mandatory women's basketball and other team sports).

What specific requirements must FBS conferences meet for NCAA recognition that differ from other Division I conferences?

FBS conferences must meet more stringent requirements, including having at least eight active FBS members. Each member school must participate in conference play across at least six men's sports and eight women's sports, which must include men's and women's basketball and football. Schools can also count one men's and one women's sport sponsored by another Division I conference towards these limits.

Which NCAA Division I conferences are designated as 'Power Four' conferences?

The 'Power Four' conferences, as of the provided text, are the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC. These conferences historically had guaranteed berths in the New Year's Six bowl games associated with the College Football Playoff before its expansion.

Which NCAA Division I conferences are designated as 'Group of Five' conferences?

The 'Group of Five' conferences, as indicated in the text, include the American Conference, Conference USA, Mid-American Conference, Mountain West Conference, and Sun Belt Conference.

What is the scholarship limit for men's football in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)?

FBS football programs are permitted to award financial aid to a maximum of 85 players, with each player eligible to receive a full scholarship. This limit is subject to roster limitations that have been implemented following recent legal settlements.

What is the scholarship limit for men's football in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS)?

FCS football programs can award financial aid equivalent to 63 full scholarships, which can be distributed among no more than 85 individuals. Some FCS conferences may impose lower scholarship limits or prohibit scholarships altogether.

Which men's individual sports in Division I had the most participating athletes according to the 2022 data?

According to 2022 data, men's outdoor track and field had the most participating athletes with 11,387. Indoor track and field followed with 10,369 athletes, and cross country had 5,032 athletes.

Which women's team sports in Division I have seen the most significant growth in participation?

Women's soccer has been the fastest-growing NCAA Division I women's team sport over a prolonged period, increasing from 22 teams in 1981-82 to 335 teams in 2021-22. More recently, beach volleyball has shown rapid growth, expanding from 14 Division I teams in 2011-12 to 62 in 2021-22.

What is the scholarship limit for women's basketball in Division I?

In NCAA Division I, women's basketball programs are allowed to award up to 15 full scholarship equivalents per team.

What is the scholarship limit for men's basketball in Division I?

Men's basketball programs in NCAA Division I are permitted to award up to 13 full scholarship equivalents per team.

How do the scholarship limits for men's and women's sports differ in sports like swimming and diving?

In swimming and diving, men's programs are allowed a maximum of 9.9 scholarship equivalents, while women's programs can award up to 14.0 scholarship equivalents. This reflects the NCAA's system of equivalency sports where a total value of scholarships is limited, rather than a strict number of individuals.

What is the primary difference between 'head-count' and 'equivalency' sports regarding NCAA scholarship limitations?

'Head-count' sports limit the total number of individuals who can receive athletic scholarships, allowing each to receive a full scholarship. 'Equivalency' sports, conversely, limit the total financial aid value a school can offer in a sport to the equivalent of a set number of full scholarships, which can be divided among more athletes.

What is a 'counter' in the context of NCAA scholarship limitations?

A 'counter' is defined by the NCAA as an individual who is receiving institutional financial aid that counts towards the scholarship limitations in a particular sport. This term is crucial for tracking compliance with the NCAA's financial aid rules.

How did the 'House v. NCAA' settlement impact scholarship and roster limits?

Following the 'House v. NCAA' settlement, scholarship limits in all NCAA sports were replaced by roster limits, effective from the 2025-26 academic year. These new limits apply to member conferences that were defendants in the case, including the 'Power Four' and the Pac-12 Conference, as well as programs that opted into the settlement framework.

What are the new roster limits for men's basketball and football in Division I following the 'House v. NCAA' settlement?

Effective from the 2025-26 academic year, men's basketball programs will have a roster limit of 15 players. For football, FBS programs will have a roster limit of 105 players, while FCS programs will also adhere to roster limits, though the specific number for FCS is not detailed in this context.

What is the NCAA's rule for counting multi-sport athletes towards scholarship limits?

The NCAA has specific rules for counting multi-sport athletes. Generally, athletes participating in football are counted in that sport, unless they are at a non-scholarship FCS program receiving aid in another sport. For other sports, a hierarchy exists: football takes precedence over basketball, which takes precedence over men's ice hockey, and so on, with the school having the final choice for athletes participating in sports not covered by the hierarchy.

What was the previous attendance requirement for FBS football programs?

Before the 2023 season, FBS schools were required to average at least 15,000 attendees per game over a two-year period. This requirement was intended to ensure a certain level of fan engagement and financial viability for the programs.

What are the new athletic funding requirements for FBS schools that will take effect in 2027-28?

Starting in the 2027-28 academic year, FBS schools must meet new athletic funding requirements. These include funding the equivalent of at least 210 full scholarships across all NCAA sports, spending a minimum of $6 million annually on athletic scholarships, and providing at least 90% of the total allowed scholarship equivalents across 16 sports, including football.

How do the postseason formats differ between FBS and FCS football?

The FBS determines its national champion through a series of bowl games, with rankings often decided by polls. In contrast, the FCS crowns its national champion through a single-elimination bracket tournament, culminating in a championship game.

What is the scholarship limit for FBS football programs regarding the number of players who can receive financial aid?

FBS football programs are limited to 85 players receiving financial aid. Additionally, they are restricted to adding a maximum of 25 new counters per school year, although these specific limits have seen adjustments and suspensions due to recent NCAA policy changes.

What is the scholarship limit for FCS football programs regarding the number of players who can receive financial aid?

FCS football programs are limited to 85 players receiving any form of athletic financial aid. While the total number of scholarships allowed is 63 full scholarship equivalents, these can be distributed as partial scholarships among up to 85 individuals.

Which NCAA Division I conferences historically did not sponsor football but now have football-playing members?

The America East Conference, Atlantic Sun Conference, Atlantic 10 Conference, Big East Conference, Big West Conference, Horizon League, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, Missouri Valley Conference, The Summit League, West Coast Conference, and Western Athletic Conference are mentioned as non-football conferences that currently have member institutions sponsoring football programs in various capacities.

What is the significance of the 'United Athletic Conference' (UAC) in relation to the ASUN and WAC?

The United Athletic Conference (UAC) was formed as a football-only merger between the ASUN and WAC conferences starting in 2023. This alliance aims to provide a unified football structure, and the UAC is planned to transition into a multi-sports conference, rebranding as the Western Athletic Conference in 2026.

Which Division I conferences are noted for having members that do not sponsor football?

Several conferences, including the America East Conference, Atlantic 10 Conference, Big East Conference, Big West Conference, Horizon League, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, Missouri Valley Conference, The Summit League, West Coast Conference, and Western Athletic Conference, have member institutions that do not sponsor football programs.

What is the historical context of the Pac-12 Conference's name and membership?

The Pac-12 Conference traces its history back to the Pacific Coast Conference founded in 1915. Its charter dates to 1959 as the AAWU, evolving through names like Pacific-8 and Pacific-10 to reflect membership changes, eventually becoming Pac-12 before its significant realignment in 2024.

How has the Big Ten Conference's name remained consistent despite membership changes?

The Big Ten Conference has maintained its name despite expanding beyond ten members. It unofficially used the name when it had 10 members from 1917-1946 and again from 1949 onwards, continuing to use it even after adding Penn State in 1990, Nebraska in 2011, and Maryland and Rutgers in 2014, bringing its total to 14 members.

What is the NCAA's stance on schools having athletic programs in different divisions simultaneously?

The NCAA has rules addressing classification debates, particularly concerning schools that field one program in Division I while maintaining others in lower divisions. A 2004 resolution allows affected schools to grant financial aid to student-athletes in one men's and one women's sport in Division I, with specific exemptions for certain 'waiver schools'.

Which sports have unique conference structures that operate outside the typical NCAA sports conference model?

Sports like ice hockey and men's volleyball often have distinct conference structures that differ from the standard NCAA model. This is particularly true for ice hockey due to its limited number of participating schools, primarily located in Northern regions.

What was the situation regarding Division I men's ice hockey conferences before the 2013-14 season realignment?

Before the major realignment starting in the 2013-14 season, men's Division I ice hockey conferences featured a mix of teams from various NCAA divisions and conferences. For instance, Hockey East included schools from the ACC, Big East, America East, A-10, CAA, and even Division II Northeast-10 Conference, highlighting a complex web of affiliations.

What significant changes occurred in NCAA Division I men's ice hockey starting with the 2013-14 season?

The 2013-14 season marked a major realignment for Division I men's hockey. The Big Ten Conference began sponsoring ice hockey, leading its institutions to withdraw from the WCHA and CCHA. Concurrently, six other teams formed the new National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC), causing the demise of the original CCHA and further membership shifts.

How did the Ivy League historically approach participation in the FCS football playoffs?

Historically, the Ivy League, despite having an automatic bid, did not participate in the FCS football playoffs, citing academic concerns. The conference maintained a strict ten-game schedule and had not allowed postseason play in football, although it permitted it in other sports.

When did the Ivy League decide to abandon its ban on football postseason play?

In December 2024, the Ivy League announced it would abandon its long-standing ban on football postseason play, with conference members agreeing to participate in the FCS playoffs starting from the 2025 season onwards.

What is the NCAA's classification for rifle competition regarding gender participation?

NCAA rifle competition is classified as fully coeducational. For sports sponsorship purposes, the NCAA categorizes teams that include both men and women as men's teams, although schools can field separate men's, women's, or mixed teams.

What is the difference in the maximum number of games allowed in a regular season between FBS and FCS football?

FBS teams typically play an 11-game regular season schedule, while FCS teams also played an 11-game schedule until recently. However, the FCS schedule is set to permanently expand to 12 games, matching the FBS, starting in 2026.

What is the NCAA's definition of a 'counter' in relation to scholarship limitations?

The NCAA defines a 'counter' as an individual who is receiving institutional financial aid that is countable against the aid limitations in a specific sport. This designation is key to ensuring compliance with NCAA regulations regarding the number of scholarships a team can award.

What was the outcome of Proposal 65-1 at the 2004 NCAA Convention regarding multi-division classification?

Proposal 65-1, supported by member institutions, resolved the controversy over schools fielding programs in different NCAA divisions. It allowed affected schools to grant financial aid to student-athletes competing in one men's and one women's sport in Division I, while also establishing rules for future classifications and exemptions for sports without divisional championships.

Which Division I conferences have football-playing members that are part of the 'Group of Five' designation?

The 'Group of Five' conferences include the American Conference, Conference USA, Mid-American Conference, Mountain West Conference, and Sun Belt Conference. These conferences are recognized as distinct from the 'Power Four' conferences in college football.

What is the NCAA's policy on schools sponsoring sports that do not have a championship for their own division?

The NCAA permits schools in Divisions II and III to 'play up' in any sport that does not offer a championship for their respective division. However, only Division II programs and specific Division III programs covered by an exemption can offer scholarships in these sports.

Ncaa Division I Wiki: NCAA Division I: The Apex of Collegiate Athletics

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Understanding Division I

The Highest Echelon

NCAA Division I (D-I) represents the pinnacle of intercollegiate athletics in the United States, encompassing institutions that compete at the highest level of athletic prowess and resource allocation. This division is characterized by its extensive athletic programs, substantial budgets, advanced facilities, and a greater number of athletic scholarships compared to Divisions II and III. It serves as the primary stage for major collegiate sports, attracting talent from across the globe.

Historical Context

Originally known as the University Division, it was renamed Division I in 1973. This restructuring also led to the division of the former College Division into the current Division II and Division III, differentiating based on scholarship offerings and competitive philosophy. This evolution reflects the increasing professionalization and scale of college sports.

Football Subdivisions

Within Division I, college football operates under a distinct structure, further categorized into the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The FBS is recognized for its larger athletic scholarship allocations and minimum attendance requirements, culminating in a series of prestigious bowl games. The FCS, conversely, determines its champion through a bracket-style tournament. Institutions without football programs also fall under the D-I umbrella.

Financial Landscape

Revenue Generation

NCAA Division I athletic programs generate substantial revenue, with figures reaching billions of dollars annually. In the 2009-10 academic year, for instance, Division I programs collectively generated $8.7 billion. This revenue is primarily derived from media rights, particularly for men's basketball and football, alongside ticket sales and corporate sponsorships.

Profitability and Investment

Football and men's basketball are typically the sole profitable sports within university athletic departments, often referred to as "revenue sports." While these sports subsidize other athletic endeavors, the financial sustainability of many programs remains a subject of scrutiny. Between 2008 and 2012, a significant number of varsity teams, particularly men's programs, were discontinued, reflecting fiscal pressures.

NCAA Distribution

The NCAA itself generates considerable revenue, primarily from television contracts for the Division I Men's Basketball Championship and other championship events. A significant portion of this revenue, approximately 60% or $600 million annually, is distributed directly to member institutions and conferences to support student-athletes and championships.

Conference Structures

Conference Membership

Division I institutions are organized into various conferences, each with specific membership criteria and sport sponsorship requirements. These conferences are crucial for scheduling, championship qualification, and revenue sharing. Conferences are broadly categorized into the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), with additional non-football conferences.

Power and Group of Five

The FBS conferences are further distinguished into "Power Four" (formerly "Power Five") conferences, which historically held guaranteed berths in the College Football Playoff, and "Group of Five" conferences. The Power Four conferences include the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC, known for their significant media deals and national presence. The Group of Five conferences, such as the American, Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West, and Sun Belt, also compete at a high level but typically with smaller media revenues.

The following table outlines key details for major FBS conferences:

Conference	Nickname	Founded	Members	Sports	Headquarters	Total NCAA Titles	Men's NCAA Titles	Women's NCAA Titles	Co-ed NCAA Titles
American Conference ***	American	1979	13	20	Irving, Texas	55	37	18	0
Atlantic Coast Conference **	ACC	1953	18	28	Charlotte, North Carolina	150	87	58	5
Big Ten Conference **	Big Ten	1896	18	28	Rosemont, Illinois	317	229	72	16
Big 12 Conference **	Big 12	1996	16	25	Irving, Texas	166	163	3	0
Conference USA ***	CUSA	1995	10	19	Dallas, Texas	1	1	0	0
Mid-American Conference ***	MAC	1946	12	24	Cleveland, Ohio	4	4	0	0
Mountain West Conference ***	Mountain West	1999	11	19	Colorado Springs, Colorado	21	13	5	3
Pac-12 Conference	Pac-12	1915	2	24	San Ramon, California	501	309	174	18
Southeastern Conference **	SEC	1932	16	22	Birmingham, Alabama	223	118	104	1
Sun Belt Conference ***	Sun Belt	1976	14	20	New Orleans, Louisiana	29	16	12	1

** - \"Power Four\" conferences; *** - \"Group of Five\" conferences.

Football Dynamics

FBS vs. FCS

Division I football is uniquely segmented into the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The FBS represents the highest level, characterized by larger scholarship allocations (up to 85 players) and a system of postseason bowl games, including the College Football Playoff. The FCS, while also highly competitive, operates with a scholarship limit of 63 players and determines its champion through a structured playoff tournament.

Historical Evolution

The distinction between FBS and FCS evolved over time. Historically, FBS schools faced attendance requirements, ensuring a minimum average viewership. These requirements have been recently adjusted, with a greater emphasis placed on financial commitments to athletic programs. The FCS playoffs have expanded significantly since their inception in 1978, growing from a four-team bracket to a 24-team field.

Conference Football Structures

Both FBS and FCS divisions feature numerous conferences that govern scheduling, championship eligibility, and automatic bids to postseason play. These conferences adhere to specific membership and sport sponsorship rules. For example, FBS conferences must maintain at least eight members sponsoring a minimum number of men's and women's sports, while FCS conferences have slightly different criteria, often focusing on football participation.

The FCS landscape includes a variety of conferences, each with its own unique characteristics:

Conference	Nickname	Founded	Football Members	Sports	Headquarters
Atlantic Sun Conference	ASUN	1978	5	21	Jacksonville, Florida
Big Sky Conference	Big Sky	1963	12	16	Ogden, Utah
Big South Conference	Big South	1983	2	19	Charlotte, North Carolina
Coastal Athletic Association Football Conference	CAA Football	2007	16	1	Richmond, Virginia
Ivy League		1954	8	33	Princeton, New Jersey
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference	MEAC	1970	6	14	Norfolk, Virginia
Missouri Valley Football Conference	MVFC	1982	11	1	St. Louis, Missouri
Northeast Conference	NEC	1981	9	24	Somerset, New Jersey
Ohio Valley Conference	OVC	1948	7	1	Brentwood, Tennessee
Patriot League		1986	7	24	Center Valley, Pennsylvania
Pioneer Football League	PFL	1991	11	1	St. Louis, Missouri
Southern Conference	SoCon	1921	9	20	Spartanburg, South Carolina
Southland Conference	SLC	1963	12	17	Frisco, Texas
Southwestern Athletic Conference	SWAC	1920	12	18	Birmingham, Alabama
Western Athletic Conference	WAC	1962	4	20	Arlington, Texas

Athletic Disciplines

Men's Team Sports

Division I sanctions a wide array of men's team sports, each with specific championship structures and scholarship limits. Football, basketball, baseball, soccer, ice hockey, lacrosse, volleyball, and water polo are among the most prominent. These sports often drive institutional revenue and national recognition, with varying scholarship allocations reflecting their popularity and resource demands.

Key men's team sports and their characteristics:

Sport	Founded	Teams (2022)	Scholarships per team	Season	Most Championships
Football	1869 (FBS) 1978 (FCS)	263 (134 FBS, 129 FCS)	85 (FBS) 63.0 (FCS)	Fall	Princeton (28)
Basketball	1939	364	13	Winter	UCLA (11)
Baseball	1947	299	11.7	Spring	USC (12)
Soccer	1959	204	9.9	Fall	Saint Louis (10)
Ice hockey	1948	61	18.0	Winter	Denver (10)
Lacrosse	1971	74	12.6	Spring	Syracuse (10)
Volleyball	1970	29	4.5	Spring	UCLA (19)
Water polo	1969	25	4.5	Fall	California (14)

Note: Scholarship numbers for equivalency sports are indicated with a decimal point.

Women's Team Sports

Division I is equally committed to women's athletics, offering a comprehensive schedule of team sports. Basketball, soccer, volleyball, softball, rowing, lacrosse, field hockey, and ice hockey are among the most popular. These programs receive significant institutional support, with scholarship allocations designed to foster competitive balance and athlete development.

Key women's team sports and their characteristics:

Sport	Founded	Teams	Scholarships per team	Season	Most Championships
Basketball	1982	348	15	Winter	UConn (12)
Soccer	1982	335	14.0	Fall	North Carolina (21)
Volleyball	1981	332	12*	Fall	Stanford (9)
Softball	1982	293	12.0	Spring	UCLA (12)
Rowing	1997	87	20.0	Spring	Brown (7)
Lacrosse	1982	119	12.0	Spring	Maryland (14)
Field hockey	1981	77	12.0	Fall	North Carolina (11)
Ice hockey	2001	34	18.0	Winter	Wisconsin (7)
Beach volleyball	2016	62	6.0*	Spring	USC (4)
Water polo	2001	34	8.0	Spring	Stanford (8)

* Scholarship limits are partially linked for indoor and beach volleyball.

Men's Individual Sports

Division I also supports numerous men's individual sports, characterized by significant participation numbers. Track and field (indoor and outdoor), cross country, swimming and diving, golf, wrestling, and tennis are among the sports with the largest athlete pools. These sports often see substantial growth in participation over time, reflecting diverse athletic interests.

Men's individual sports with high participation:

Sport	Founded	Teams (2022)	Teams (1982)	Change	Athletes	Season
Track (outdoor)	1921	287	230	+57	11,387	Spring
Track (indoor)	1965	264	209	+55	10,369	Winter
Cross country	1938	315	256	+59	5,032	Fall
Swimming and diving	1937	130	181	−51	3,826	Winter
Golf	1939	292	263	+29	2,958	Spring
Wrestling	1928	76	146	−70	2,665	Winter
Tennis	1946	233	267	−34	2,293	Spring

Women's Individual Sports

Similarly, women's individual sports in Division I demonstrate significant athlete engagement. Track and field (indoor and outdoor), cross country, swimming and diving, tennis, golf, and gymnastics are notable examples. The growth in participation for many of these sports, particularly track and field and cross country, highlights the expanding opportunities for female athletes in collegiate sports.

Women's individual sports with high participation:

Sport	Teams (2022)	Teams (1982)	Change	Athletes	Season
Track (outdoor)	339	180	+159	13,672	Spring
Track (indoor)	331	127	+204	13,404	Winter
Cross country	347	183	+164	5,896	Fall
Swimming and diving	190	161	+29	5,886	Winter
Tennis	300	246	+54	2,817	Spring
Golf	262	83	+179	2,229	Spring
Gymnastics	61	99	−38	1,258	Winter

Scholarship & Roster Regulations

Scholarship Limits

Division I institutions operate under strict scholarship limits per sport, categorized as "head-count" (limiting the number of individuals receiving aid) and "equivalency" (limiting the total financial aid value). These regulations aim to ensure competitive balance across the division. For example, men's basketball allows 13 scholarships, while women's basketball allows 15.

Scholarship limits per sport (through 2024-25 academic year):

Sport	Men's	Women's
Acrobatics & tumbling	–	14.0
Baseball	11.7	–
Basketball	13	15
Beach volleyball	–	6.0*
Bowling	–	5.0
Cross country/Track and field	12.6	18.0
Equestrian	–	15.0
Fencing	4.5	5.0
Field hockey	–	12.0
Football	85 (FBS) 63.0 (FCS)	–
Golf	4.5	6.0
Gymnastics	6.3	12
Ice hockey	18.0	18.0
Lacrosse	12.6	12.0
Rifle	3.6	–
Rowing	–	20.0
Rugby	–	12.0
Skiing	6.3	7.0
Soccer	9.9	14.0
Softball	–	12.0
Stunt	–	9.0
Swimming and diving	9.9	14.0
Tennis	4.5	8
Track & field (indoor)	45	45
Track & field (outdoor)	45	45
Triathlon	–	6.5
Volleyball	4.5	12
Water polo	4.5	8.0
Wrestling	9.9	10.0

* Scholarship limits are partially linked.

Roster Limits and Multi-Sport Athletes

Recent legal settlements have led to a shift from scholarship limits to roster limits, effective from the 2025-26 academic year. These new regulations apply to specific conferences and programs that opted into the framework. Special provisions exist for student-athletes already enrolled prior to these changes, ensuring continuity. Furthermore, specific rules govern how multi-sport athletes are counted towards these limits, often prioritizing football, basketball, and ice hockey.

Roster limits per sport (effective 2025-26):

Sport	Men's	Women's
Acrobatics & tumbling	–	55
Baseball	34	–
Basketball	15	15
Beach volleyball	–	19
Bowling	–	11
Cross country	17	17
Equestrian	–	50
Fencing	24	24
Field hockey	–	27
Football	105	–
Golf	9	9
Gymnastics	20	20
Ice hockey	26	26
Lacrosse	48	38
Rifle	12	12
Rowing	–	68
Rugby	–	36
Skiing	16	16
Soccer	28	28
Softball	–	25
Stunt	–	65
Swimming and diving	30	30
Tennis	10	10
Track & field (indoor)	45	45
Track & field (outdoor)	45	45
Triathlon	–	14
Volleyball	18	18
Water polo	24	24
Wrestling	30	30

Media & Revenue Streams

Television Contracts

Division I athletics, particularly football and men's basketball, benefit significantly from lucrative television contracts. These agreements, often spanning multiple years and involving major networks like ESPN, Fox, CBS, and Turner, provide substantial revenue streams for conferences and member institutions. The NCAA's own contract for the Men's Basketball Championship alone is valued in the billions.

Conference Revenue Distribution

Major conferences like the Big Ten and SEC report hundreds of millions in annual revenue, a significant portion of which is distributed to their member schools. These distributions are critical for funding athletic departments, supporting student-athletes, and maintaining competitive parity across the division. The financial disparities between conferences underscore the competitive hierarchy within NCAA Division I.

Selected U.S. College Sports TV Rights Deals:

Sports Rights	Sport	National TV Contract	Total Revenues (Per Year)
NCAA March Madness	Basketball	CBS, Turner	$1.1B
College Football Playoff	Football	ESPN	$470m
Pac-12 Conference	All	Fox, ESPN	$250m
Big Ten Conference	All	Fox, ESPN, CBS	$440m
Atlantic Coast Conference	All	ESPN, The CW	$240m
Big 12 Conference	All	Fox, ESPN	$200m
Southeastern Conference	All	CBS, ESPN	$205m
American Athletic Conference	All	ESPN	$130m
Mountain West Conference	All	CBS, ESPN	$18m
Mid-American Conference	All	ESPN	$8m

Regulatory Framework

Multi-Sport Athlete Rules

The NCAA has established specific guidelines for counting athletes who participate in multiple sports. Generally, athletes are counted in the sport they primarily participate in, with football, basketball, and ice hockey often taking precedence. These rules are critical for managing scholarship and roster limits accurately across an institution's athletic department.

Conference Requirements

To maintain Division I status, conferences must adhere to NCAA regulations regarding sport sponsorship. Multisport conferences typically require a minimum number of member institutions, with specific mandates for sponsoring men's and women's basketball, and a broader range of sports overall. These requirements ensure a baseline level of athletic program breadth and competitiveness.

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28 championships in 27 NCAA sports; the ACC awards separate men's and women's team championships in fencing, which has a single coed NCAA championship event.

"Independents" is not a conference; it is simply a designation used for schools whose football programs do not play in any conference. All of these schools have conference memberships for other sports.

2 members in 2025 when UMass becomes a full member of the Mid-American Conference.

8 full members and 7 football members in 2026 with addition of Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga (non-football), San Diego State, and Utah State.

Of the 9 full Big South members, six do not sponsor football at all, while a seventh (Presbyterian) is a member of the Pioneer Football League.

Administered by the multi-sports Coastal Athletic Association as a separate entity.

14 members in 2025 with loss of Delaware and Richmond.

10 members in 2025 with loss of Missouri State.

Of the 10 full SoCon members, only UNC Greensboro does not sponsor football.

The number of total counters is limited to 30.[62]

"Independents" is not a conference; it is simply a designation used for schools whose football programs do not play in any conference. All of these schools have conference memberships for other sports.

12 members in 2026 with loss of Northern Illinois.

13 members in 2026 with loss of Texas State.

14 members no later than 2027 with addition of Louisiana Tech.

"Independents" is not a conference; it is simply a designation used for schools whose football programs do not play in any conference. All of these schools have conference memberships for other sports.

10 members in 2026 with loss of Tennessee Tech.

The Patriot League was founded as the football-only Colonial League in 1986. In 1990, it became an all-sports conference and adopted its current name.

In addition to the football associates, MIT, otherwise a Division III institution, is an associate in women's rowing.

In addition to the full members, Boise State is a beach volleyball associate.

Rebranding as the United Athletic Conference in 2026.

In addition to the full members, VMI is an associate in men's and women's swimming & diving.

12 members in 2026 with return of Northern Illinois.

"Independents" is not a conference, it is simply a designation used to indicate schools which are not a member of any conference.

9 members in 2026 with loss of Gonzaga.

10 members in 2027 with addition of UC San Diego.

First version founded in 1971 and disbanded in 2013; reestablished in 2020, with play resuming in 2021â22. The current CCHA considers the original league to be part of its history.

8 members in 2026 with loss of St. Thomas.

Founded as a scheduling alliance in 2017; formally organized as a conference in 2018. Received official NCAA recognition in 2019.

Founded as a men's-only conference in 1951, with women's hockey added in 1999. Men's hockey was dropped after the 2020â21 season.

Football Bowl Subdivision Membership Requirements (pdf file)

A full list of references for this article are available at the NCAA Division I Wikipedia page

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Academic and Athletic Integrity Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI model and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is based on data derived from publicly available sources, including Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness, the information may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.

This is not official NCAA guidance or advice. The information provided herein should not be considered a substitute for consulting official NCAA regulations, institutional policies, or seeking advice from qualified collegiate athletics administrators or compliance officers. The complexities of NCAA Division I rules, including evolving scholarship and roster regulations, require expert interpretation.

The creators of this page are not affiliated with the NCAA and are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented. Users are encouraged to verify information with official sources.

NCAA Division I

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Understanding Division I ℹ️

🏅 The Highest Echelon

🏛️ Historical Context

🏈 Football Subdivisions

Financial Landscape 💰

📈 Revenue Generation

⚽ Profitability and Investment

💸 NCAA Distribution

Conference Structures 🔗

🌐 Conference Membership

⭐ Power and Group of Five

Football Dynamics 🏈

🏆 FBS vs. FCS

📜 Historical Evolution

📊 Conference Football Structures

Athletic Disciplines 🤸

♂️ Men's Team Sports

♀️ Women's Team Sports

🏃 Men's Individual Sports

♀️ Women's Individual Sports

Scholarship & Roster Regulations 📚

⚖️ Scholarship Limits

👥 Roster Limits and Multi-Sport Athletes

Media & Revenue Streams 📺

📺 Television Contracts

💰 Conference Revenue Distribution

Regulatory Framework 📜

⚖️ Multi-Sport Athlete Rules

📝 Conference Requirements

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 References

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To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic and Athletic Integrity Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Understanding Division I

The Highest Echelon

Historical Context

Football Subdivisions

Financial Landscape

Revenue Generation

Profitability and Investment

NCAA Distribution

Conference Structures

Conference Membership

Power and Group of Five

Football Dynamics

FBS vs. FCS

Historical Evolution

Conference Football Structures

Athletic Disciplines

Men's Team Sports

Women's Team Sports

Men's Individual Sports

Women's Individual Sports

Scholarship & Roster Regulations

Scholarship Limits

Roster Limits and Multi-Sport Athletes

Media & Revenue Streams

Television Contracts

Conference Revenue Distribution

Regulatory Framework

Multi-Sport Athlete Rules

Conference Requirements

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic and Athletic Integrity Disclaimer

Important Notice