How Many NCAA Basketball Teams Are There In 2024-2025? A Comprehensive Breakdown

Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the United States, with the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) playing a significant role in shaping the future of young athletes. The NCAA’s basketball programs allow athletes to combine education with competitive sports, helping many of them achieve their dreams both on and off the court. For those curious about how many NCAA basketball teams are there, the answer involves looking at the total number of teams across the three NCAA divisions—Division I, Division II, and Division III—for both men’s and women’s college basketball. By the end of this article, readers will have a clear understanding of the total number of teams, as well as how each division functions.

The Structure of NCAA Basketball

The NCAA oversees college basketball at three main levels or divisions. Each division offers unique opportunities and experiences for student-athletes, ranging from the high-visibility, competitive nature of Division I to the academic focus of Division III. Let’s take a closer look at each division to understand the differences:

DIVISION I (D1): Division I is the highest level of NCAA competition. It is home to the most competitive programs and includes both the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball and NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball tournaments. Division I programs tend to have larger budgets, attract high-profile recruits, and have more substantial media coverage. Schools at this level often offer athletic scholarships to attract talented players. The NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament, commonly known as March Madness, is one of the most highly anticipated events in sports, drawing in millions of viewers every year. But what is March Madness? It’s the annual single-elimination tournament featuring the best 68 teams, creating thrilling moments and Cinderella stories that captivate basketball fans.
DIVISION II (D2): Division II also has a strong competitive presence but is known for providing a balance between athletics, academics, and community engagement. Teams in this division can offer a limited number of athletic scholarships, which makes competition intense but less financially burdensome for schools than Division I. Division II programs emphasize the student-athlete experience, ensuring that players can excel both in sports and in the classroom.
DIVISION III (D3): Division III is the largest of the three NCAA divisions in terms of the number of schools and teams. Unlike Division I and Division II, Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships. Instead, they focus on providing a holistic college experience where student-athletes can enjoy the sport they love while prioritizing their academic endeavors. Despite the lack of scholarships, Division III basketball still features a high level of competition and offers opportunities for players to continue playing the game at a collegiate level.

How Many NCAA Men’s Basketball Teams Are There?

When considering how many NCAA men’s basketball teams are there, it is important to break down the numbers by division:

NCAA DIVISION I MEN’S BASKETBALL: There are 351 TEAMS competing in Division I for men. These programs represent some of the most well-known and competitive institutions in the country. Teams like Duke, Kentucky, Kansas and UCLA regularly attract top talent and have rich histories in the sport. Every year, 68 of these Division I teams earn a chance to compete in March Madness, the ultimate stage for college basketball.
NCAA DIVISION II MEN’S BASKETBALL: Division II is home to 286 MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAMS. While Division II programs may not receive the same level of media attention as their Division I counterparts, the competition remains intense. These schools often compete in regional conferences, and they also have their own championship tournaments that offer thrilling matchups.
NCAA DIVISION III MEN’S BASKETBALL: Division III has the largest number of men’s basketball teams, with 412 TEAMS. The focus at this level is on the overall college experience, and many of these schools are known for their academic rigor. Despite the absence of athletic scholarships, D3 men’s basketball programs provide a competitive platform for athletes who are passionate about the game.
TOTAL MEN’S TEAMS: When combining the men’s teams from all three divisions, there are 1,049 NCAA MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAMS. This diverse array of programs ensures that players across the country have opportunities to compete at a level that matches their skills and aspirations.

How Many NCAA Women’s Basketball Teams Are There?

Similarly, when asking how many NCAA women’s basketball teams are there, the answer depends on the breakdown by division:

NCAA DIVISION I WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: Division I for women includes 349 TEAMS. Women’s Division I basketball has seen significant growth over the years, with a large following for the NCAA women’s basketball tournament and other high-profile events. Programs like UConn, Stanford, and South Carolina have set the bar high, inspiring a new generation of athletes.
NCAA DIVISION II WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: There are 291 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAMS competing in Division II. These programs offer a blend of competitive play and a strong emphasis on academics. Athletic scholarships are available, but the emphasis remains on developing well-rounded student-athletes.
NCAA DIVISION III WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: Division III women’s basketball boasts 422 TEAMS, making it the largest segment for women’s programs. Here, the emphasis is on maintaining a balance between athletics and academics, providing women the opportunity to compete while focusing on their studies.
TOTAL WOMEN’S TEAMS: The total number of NCAA women’s basketball teams is 1,062 across all three divisions. This robust representation ensures that women athletes have ample opportunities to compete at the collegiate level.

Total Number of NCAA Basketball Teams

So, how many college basketball teams are there in total within the NCAA? To get a complete picture, we sum the men’s and women’s teams across each division:

TOTAL MEN’S TEAMS: 1,049
TOTAL WOMEN’S TEAMS: 1,062
GRAND TOTAL OF NCAA BASKETBALL TEAMS: 2,111

This means that there are 2,111 NCAA BASKETBALL TEAMS competing across the United States, making college basketball a cornerstone of the athletic landscape. The large number of teams ensures that student-athletes across the country have opportunities to play the sport at a level that matches their skills and goals.

How Many NCAA Conferences Are There?

To understand how the NCAA is organized, it’s helpful to consider how many NCAA conferences are there. These conferences group teams together for regular-season competition, creating regional rivalries and determining qualification for postseason play:

DIVISION I CONFERENCES: There are 32 CONFERENCES plus 1 independent in NCAA Division I. These include high-profile conferences like the Big Ten, the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). These conferences play a crucial role in determining which teams qualify for March Madness and other tournaments.
DIVISION II AND III CONFERENCES: Both Division II and Division III have numerous smaller conferences that organize regional play. While less prominent than Division I, these conferences foster strong local rivalries and competitive matchups.

How Many D1 Basketball Teams Are There?

Breaking down the question of how many D1 basketball teams are there yields the following:

DIVISION I MEN’S TEAMS: 351
DIVISION I WOMEN’S TEAMS: 349
TOTAL D1 BASKETBALL TEAMS: 700

With 700 Division I basketball teams, this tier of the NCAA remains the most visible and competitive. Each season, the anticipation builds toward NCAA Selection Sunday, the day when teams learn whether they’ve made the cut for March Madness and where they will be seeded in the bracket.

How Many Teams Are in March Madness?

How many teams are in March Madness is a common question when the basketball season heats up each spring. But just as important is knowing when does March Madness start. The tournament kicks off each year with NCAA Selection Sunday, where the 68 participating teams are announced, followed by the First Four games that officially begin the action. But, what is the First Four in March Madness? It consists of four play-in games where eight teams compete for the final four spots in the main bracket, setting the stage for the full tournament to begin.

Both the men’s and women’s NCAA Division I tournaments feature 68 teams. This includes automatic qualifiers from each conference and at-large bids given to the best teams that did not win their conferences. The tournament’s knockout format makes it one of the most exciting sporting events in the United States. March Madness is known for thrilling upsets and underdog stories, but what is the lowest seed to win March Madness? Since the tournament expanded in 1985, the lowest seed to ever claim the national title was a No. 8 seed, proving that any team can make a historic run in this unpredictable tournament.

The Importance of NCAA Basketball

The National Collegiate Athletics Association has played a crucial role in developing basketball talent for decades. With over 2,111 NCAA BASKETBALL TEAMS across all divisions, the NCAA provides opportunities for athletes to grow, compete, and earn their degrees. For many, college basketball is the first step toward a professional career, while for others, it is a way to balance their passion for the sport with their academic goals.

Whether it’s the star-studded competitions of NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball or the student-focused experience of Division III, each level of play has its own unique appeal. The combination of rich traditions, passionate fan bases, and the opportunity for student-athletes to develop on and off the court makes NCAA basketball a critical part of American sports culture.

So, How Many NCAA Basketball Teams Are There?

In summary, how many NCAA basketball teams are there depends on the structure of the NCAA’s three divisions and the balance of men’s and women’s programs. With 2,111 TOTAL NCAA BASKETBALL TEAMS, college basketball offers a wide array of opportunities for student-athletes. From the excitement of March Madness to the competitive spirit of regional matchups in Division II and III, NCAA basketball remains an integral part of the college experience. Whether you’re a fan, a player, or simply curious, the depth and diversity of NCAA basketball ensure that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

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