Record High for Student-Athlete Participation in 2024-25

College sports saw a historic number of participants during the 2024-25 academic year, with more than 550,000 student-athletes competing on nearly 20,000 teams across all three NCAA divisions.

According to the latest NCAA data, the number of student-athletes in championship sports reached a new peak of 554,298, an increase of over 15,000 from the previous year. This marks the first time since 1982 that Division I has surpassed 200,000 participants. Division III led with 210,878 participants, followed by Division II with 141,067. The number of teams also hit an all-time high, with 19,928 programs sponsored across the membership.

New Championships and Growth

The 2024-25 season also marked a milestone with the introduction of two new NCAA championships. The first National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships was held in March, featuring 111 teams. Additionally, women’s fencing now has its own national championship, separating it from the previously combined men’s and women’s event.

NCAA President Charlie Baker noted that this consistent growth in both participation and new championships highlights the increasing opportunities available for student-athletes. These numbers reflect the continued expansion and health of collegiate athletics across the country.