Explore The Extensive List Of Division I Basketball Programs

how many division i basketball programs

Division 1 basketball colleges are considered the highest level of collegiate basketball in the United States. There are currently over 350 Division 1 basketball colleges in the nation, with 355 schools that are full members of 31 Division I basketball conferences, and eight more that are in transition from NCAA Division II. Division 1 basketball colleges are comprised of the most elite basketball players, and student-athletes must be prepared to work hard on and off the court to secure a roster spot.

Characteristics Values
Number of Division I basketball colleges 350+
Number of schools that are full members of Division I basketball conferences 355
Number of schools transitioning from NCAA Division II to Division I 8
Number of schools transitioning from NCAA Division III to Division I 1
Number of schools that will play men's basketball in Division I basketball conferences in 2024-25 364
Number of schools that sponsor both men's and women's basketball 364-2 = 362
Number of schools that do not sponsor women's basketball 2
Number of varsity teams dropped in NCAA Division I from 2008 to 2012 205
Number of women's varsity teams dropped in NCAA Division I from 2008 to 2012 72
Number of men's varsity teams dropped in NCAA Division I from 2008 to 2012 133

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There are over 350 Division 1 basketball colleges

Division I athletic programs generated $8.7 billion in revenue in the 2009-2010 academic year, with men's basketball being one of the most profitable sports for universities. The competition is fierce, and student-athletes must possess a high level of dedication, passion, and work ethic to secure a spot on a Division 1 team.

The number of Division 1 basketball colleges has fluctuated over time, with schools joining and leaving different conferences. In the 2024-25 season, there will be 364 schools playing men's basketball in 31 Division I basketball conferences. This includes schools transitioning from lower NCAA divisions to Division I. It is worth noting that Alaska is the only state without a Division I basketball program.

Division 1 basketball colleges offer a range of academic and athletic opportunities for students. When considering which college to attend, students should look beyond the most elite programs and evaluate factors such as school size, location, cost, and personal preferences to find the best fit for their educational and athletic goals.

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Division I athletic programs generated $8.7 billion in revenue in 2009-2010

Division I athletics generated $8.7 billion in revenue in the 2009-2010 academic year. This figure represents the combined earnings of more than 350 Division 1 basketball colleges across the nation. These colleges are comprised of the most elite basketball players, with a high level of competition for roster spots.

Men's teams contributed 55% of the total revenue, while women's teams accounted for 15%. The remaining 30% was not categorized by sex or sport. Football and men's basketball are typically the only profitable sports for universities, and they are often referred to as "revenue sports." Broadcasting contracts for these popular sports can be very lucrative, especially for Division I schools from major conferences. For example, the Big Ten conference secured a deal with Fox and ESPN, worth $2.64 billion over six years.

Despite the substantial revenues generated by Division I athletics, athletic expenses surpass revenues at the vast majority of Division I programs. The median salary for head football coaches in the Division I Football Subdivision (FBS) exceeds $3.5 million, and athletic department deficits can lead to increased student athletic fees and tuition.

While the revenues generated by Division I athletics are significant, it's important to note that the athletes themselves do not receive a salary, despite some having an estimated market value of several million dollars. However, there have been changes, with a small percentage of revenues being returned to athletes in the form of athletic scholarships and medical treatment.

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Men's basketball is a mandatory sport

There are currently more than 350 Division I basketball colleges in the nation, with 355 schools that are full members of 31 Division I basketball conferences, plus eight more that are in transition from NCAA Division II and one also in transition from NCAA Division III. These colleges are home to the most elite basketball players, and potential recruits must be prepared to work hard on and off the court to secure a spot on one of these teams.

The NCAA Men's Basketball Rules Committee, consisting of coaches from all three divisions of the NCAA, sets the rules for college men's basketball play. NCAA men's games are currently divided into two halves, each 20 minutes long, with teams given 30 seconds to shoot according to the NCAA shot clock. In contrast, NBA games are played in four 12-minute quarters, and the WNBA and NCAA women's games use 10-minute quarters.

The popularity of college basketball, the large population of graduates from "major conference" universities, and the NCAA's marketing of "March Madness" have kept the college game thriving. Division I athletic programs generated $8.7 billion in revenue in the 2009-2010 academic year, with men's teams contributing 55% of this total. Football and men's basketball are typically a university's only profitable sports, underscoring the importance of men's basketball as a mandatory sport in Division I.

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Division 1 basketball colleges include Duke University and University of North Carolina

Division 1 basketball colleges include Duke University and the University of North Carolina, both of which have very successful basketball programs. There are a total of 355 schools that are full members of 31 Division I basketball conferences, with eight more transitioning from Division II and one from Division III.

Duke University, also known as the Blue Devils, is based in Durham, North Carolina. The university's basketball team has achieved notable success, with the men's team having won the NCAA Division I championship multiple times.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, often referred to as the Tar Heels, has an equally impressive basketball history. The men's basketball team has won six NCAA championships (1957, 1982, 1993, 2005, 2009, and 2017) and has the most wins of any Division I men's basketball program, with over 2000 victories. In 2012, ESPN ranked the University of North Carolina's basketball program as the number one most successful over the past 50 years.

Both Duke University and the University of North Carolina have rich histories and have consistently performed at a high level in Division I basketball. Their rivalry is one of the most well-known in college basketball, with the proximity of the two schools and their frequent meetings in conference play and the NCAA Tournament adding fuel to the fire.

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There are 31 Division I basketball conferences

The colleges that make up Division I basketball conferences are often referred to as "major schools". These colleges include the major collegiate athletic powers, with large budgets, elaborate facilities, and many athletic scholarships. Division I colleges are often the most popular in the nation, with students and non-students alike recognising and supporting their basketball programs.

The colleges are made up of varsity basketball teams, with the majority of colleges also fielding women's basketball teams. However, The Citadel and VMI, two military colleges that were all-male until the 1990s, are exceptions to this.

The conferences are subject to change, with shifts in membership driven by colleges seeking lucrative media rights deals and competitive playing partners. The smallest Division I conferences sometimes recruit Division II teams to help them transition to Division I, in order to protect themselves from potential losses.

The NCAA Men's Basketball Rules Committee, consisting of coaches from all three divisions of the NCAA, sets the rules for college men's basketball play. There are differences in the rules that make NCAA play unique, such as the length of halves and shot clocks.

Frequently asked questions

There are over 350 Division 1 basketball colleges in the US.

Yes, all Division I schools field men's basketball teams, but not all field women's basketball teams. The Citadel and VMI, for example, are two military colleges that only have men's basketball teams.

Division I basketball conferences are groups of colleges that compete against each other in basketball. There are 31 Division I basketball conferences.

Some well-known Division I basketball schools include the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and Duke University.

Division I schools must sponsor at least 12 sports, including a minimum of six men's and women's sports each. Men's and women's basketball are mandatory sports, and at least seven members must sponsor each of these sports.

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