Helena Frye
NCAA Division 1 scholarships are highly competitive, with less than 1% of high school athletes reaching this level. Starting in the 2025-26 school year, NCAA D1 men's basketball teams will have a roster limit of 15 and will be allowed to offer up to 15 scholarships. Women's basketball programs will continue to offer 15 scholarships, with a roster limit of 15 players. Basketball will be reclassified as an equivalency sport, meaning coaches can decide how to split those scholarships into partial or full awards for their recruits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of scholarships for Men's D1 basketball teams | 13 |
| Number of scholarships for Women's D1 basketball teams | 15 |
| Number of Men's D1 basketball programs offering scholarships | 356 |
| Total number of Men's D1 basketball scholarships | 4,628 |
| Total number of Men's D1 basketball scholarships available annually | 1,050 |
| Maximum roster limit for Men's and Women's D1 basketball teams | 15 |
| Maximum number of scholarships allowed for Men's and Women's D1 basketball teams | 15 |
| Type of scholarship for Men's and Women's D1 basketball teams | Full or partial |
| Scholarship classification for Men's and Women's D1 basketball teams | Equivalency sport |
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What You'll Learn
NCAA D1 basketball scholarships will be full or partial
NCAA Division I (D1) schools typically have the largest athletic budgets, offer the most athletic scholarships, and compete at the highest level of college basketball. Historically, D1 women's basketball has offered 15 full-ride scholarships, while men's programs have offered 13. However, recent changes in NCAA scholarship rules will allow coaches to split scholarships into a mix of full and partial awards starting in the 2025-26 season. This reclassification of basketball as an equivalency sport will provide coaches with more flexibility in tailoring scholarships to their recruiting strategies.
The NCAA divides its member schools into three main divisions: Division I, Division II, and Division III. Each division has its own rules regarding recruitment, scholarship limits, and academic standards. Division II programs balance athletics and academics, often providing partial scholarships to support student-athletes. About 60% of athletes competing at the Division II level receive some form of athletic scholarship or financial assistance. Division III emphasizes the overall college experience, and while the competition remains strong, these schools do not offer athletic scholarships.
The new scholarship rules and roster limits for NCAA D1 sports will start in the 2025-26 academic year. These changes will allow more players to receive college athletic scholarships, but teams will have to follow new maximum roster size limits. While it is unclear if the changes will lead to a significant shift from full to partial scholarships in D1 basketball, coaches will now have the flexibility to divide scholarships as they see fit.
While not all colleges that are eligible will choose to offer scholarships, those that do will now have more freedom to customize their scholarship packages. This change could potentially increase the number of scholarships available and allow coaches to better meet the needs of their players. Overall, the recent settlement in the House v. NCAA lawsuit marks a transformative shift in college athletics, with NCAA D1 basketball scholarships now having the option to be either full or partial.
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The number of scholarships available
D1 Men's Basketball Scholarships
Historically, D1 men's college basketball teams have had 13 scholarships per team, with 356 Division 1 programs giving out 13 scholarships each. This means there are roughly 1,050 men's basketball scholarships available for aspiring collegiate players in any given year.
However, starting in the 2025-26 school year, D1 men's basketball will shift from a headcount sport to an equivalency sport. This means that programs will be allowed to offer up to 15 scholarships per team, but they can choose to divide these scholarships into partial or full grants to best suit their team and budget. It is important to note that schools are not required to offer the full 15 scholarships and may provide a lower number depending on their funding.
D1 Women's Basketball Scholarships
For D1 women's basketball, each program can typically offer up to 15 scholarships, and these have traditionally been full-ride scholarships. However, starting in the 2025-26 season, women's basketball will also transition to an equivalency sport. This change will allow coaches to split the 15 scholarships into a mix of full and partial awards based on their budget and players' needs, giving them more flexibility in their scholarship distribution.
Impact of NIL Revenue-Sharing Rules
The introduction of NIL revenue-sharing rules and scholarship increases will likely lead to a rethinking of scholarship distribution and roster construction in college basketball programs. The new rules may incentivize mid-major and Group of Five schools to reduce scholarships on a basketball roster. State schools with lower costs of attendance may have more flexibility in scholarship distribution, as scholarships cost them less, allowing them to allocate more funds to revenue sharing while still attracting talent.
Roster Limits
The changes in scholarship limits for D1 sports in the 2025-26 academic year will allow more players to receive college athletic scholarships. However, teams will need to adhere to the new maximum roster size limits. For D1 men's and women's basketball, the maximum roster limit will be 15 players.
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Roster limits
The NCAA is introducing new roster limits that match or exceed current scholarship restrictions for each sport. These changes will allow more players to receive college athletic scholarships, but teams will also have to follow new maximum roster size limits.
Beginning in 2025, D1 men’s basketball teams will be capped at 15 roster spots, and schools will be allowed to offer up to 15 scholarships. Basketball will be reclassified as an equivalency sport, allowing coaches to divide those 15 scholarships as full or partial awards among their players. This means that the scholarships can be divided in a way that allows for a total of up to 18 players on a roster.
D1 women’s basketball programs will continue to offer 15 scholarships, with a roster limit of 15 players. D1 women’s basketball will transition from a headcount to an equivalency sport, enabling programs to offer a combination of partial and full scholarships.
It's important to note that these are the maximum scholarship and roster limits the NCAA allows for each basketball program. Schools are not required to reach these maximums.
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Eligibility
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) strictly regulates the eligibility of student-athletes for scholarships and competition in its three divisions. For Division I men's and women's basketball, the NCAA allows a maximum of 13 full scholarships per team. These scholarships are often referred to as "full rides," covering tuition, fees, room and board, books, and other mandatory expenses for attending the university. It is important to note that the number of scholarships available does not equate to the number of players on a team, as some players may receive partial scholarships or choose to walk on to the team without a scholarship.
To be eligible for a Division I basketball scholarship, prospective student-athletes must meet certain academic and amateurism requirements set forth by the NCAA. Academically, they must graduate from high school and complete the minimum required courses, including core academic classes. They must also achieve a minimum grade-point average (GPA) in these courses and meet the required score on either the SAT or ACT college entrance exams. The specific GPA and test scores needed depend on a sliding scale set by the NCAA, which balances GPA and test scores.
In addition to academic requirements, the NCAA has strict rules regarding amateurism. Student-athletes must maintain their amateur status, meaning they cannot have accepted prize money associated with their sport, signed contracts with professional teams, or received payment for their athletic skills or participation. Any violations of these rules could result in the loss of eligibility for a college scholarship. Prospective student-athletes should also be mindful of the NCAA's rules regarding recruitment and the signing of National Letters of Intent, which is a binding agreement between a student-athlete and a college or university.
Beyond the NCAA's general eligibility requirements, individual colleges and universities may have their own standards for scholarship athletes. These institutions often have minimum GPA and test score requirements that exceed the NCAA's, ensuring that their student-athletes are prepared for the academic rigors of college life. Additionally, colleges may offer their own athletic scholarships with unique criteria, so it is important for prospective athletes to research the specific eligibility requirements of their desired schools.
It is crucial for aspiring student-athletes to maintain their academic and athletic eligibility throughout their high school careers. This includes performing well in the classroom, taking the necessary standardized tests, and participating in their sport at a high level. Many colleges also consider factors such as leadership, character, and community involvement when evaluating scholarship candidates. Therefore, well-rounded individuals who excel both on and off the court are often the most successful in earning these coveted scholarships.
Lastly, it is worth noting that the NCAA has specific rules regarding the transfer of student-athletes between colleges. If a student decides to transfer to another institution, they must meet certain academic requirements and receive a release from their current school. There may be additional eligibility requirements and waiting periods imposed by the NCAA, depending on the circumstances of the transfer. Understanding these rules is essential for any student-athlete considering a transfer to ensure a smooth transition and maintain their scholarship eligibility.
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Scholarship distribution strategy
The scholarship distribution strategy for NCAA Division 1 (D1) basketball has evolved with new rules and regulations coming into effect in 2025. The changes will impact the number of scholarships available, the type of scholarships, and the overall scholarship strategy employed by colleges.
Number of Scholarships
The number of scholarships available for D1 men's basketball has increased. Previously, teams were limited to 13 scholarships per team, but the new rules allow up to 15 scholarships. This change will result in approximately 1,050 additional men's basketball scholarships available across all D1 programs in a given year.
Scholarship Type
D1 basketball has transitioned from a headcount sport to an equivalency sport. This means that colleges can now offer a mix of partial and full-ride scholarships to their players. Coaches have the flexibility to divide the 15 scholarships as they see fit, tailoring them to their recruiting strategies and budget constraints.
Scholarship Strategy
The new rules have led colleges to rethink their scholarship strategies. While the increased number of scholarships provides more opportunities for athletes, it also adds complexity for coaches. They must now make strategic decisions about scholarship distribution, taking into account factors such as on-court value, cost of attendance, and revenue-sharing models.
State schools, with their lower costs of attendance, may have more flexibility in scholarship distribution. They can allocate more funds to revenue-sharing while still attracting talent through academic opportunities. On the other hand, private schools may view scholarships as significant compensation and treat them accordingly.
Additionally, colleges may need to reconsider their spending on deep bench depth. The absence of artificial constraints that previously existed in the NBA may encourage colleges to further widen the spending gap between star players, mid-level players, and depth players.
Opt-in System
It is important to note that the new rules provide schools with a choice to opt in or out of the system. While the Power Five conferences and Notre Dame are required to adopt these changes, other schools across different levels of D1 play can decide whether to implement them. This opt-in system allows schools to assess their goals and determine if embracing the new scholarship distribution model aligns with their objectives.
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Frequently asked questions
Starting in the 2025-26 school year, D1 basketball will be reclassified as an equivalency sport. This means that coaches will have the flexibility to divide 15 scholarships as full or partial awards.
D1 men's basketball programs will be allowed to offer 15 scholarships, up from the previous limit of 13. However, coaches can now choose to award full scholarships or divide their funds to offer partial scholarships to multiple athletes.
D1 women's basketball programs will continue to offer 15 scholarships, with a roster limit of 15 players. However, in the 2025-26 season, coaches will be able to split these scholarships into a mix of full and partial awards.
Yes, big changes are coming to D1 sports with new NCAA scholarship rules, athlete payments, and roster limits set to roll out in the 2025-26 school year. These changes will allow more players to receive college athletic scholarships, but teams must adhere to new maximum roster size limits.
No, the number of scholarships offered can vary among D1 basketball programs. While the maximum limit set by the NCAA is 15 scholarships per team, schools are not required to offer the full 15 scholarships. The number they can provide depends on their funding and specific needs.
