Division 1 basketball is the highest level of college basketball in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). It's where the best of the best come to compete, and it's a breeding ground for future NBA stars. But have you ever wondered how many teams make up this elite group? In this article, we'll dive into the world of Division 1 basketball and explore the ins and outs of this highly competitive league.
The NCAA was established in 1906, and it wasn't until 1956 that the organization introduced the concept of divisions. Initially, there were two divisions: University Division (now known as Division 1) and College Division (now known as Division 2). Over the years, the NCAA has undergone several changes, including the addition of Division 3 in 1973. Today, Division 1 is the pinnacle of college basketball, featuring the most talented players, the best coaches, and the largest fan bases.
As of the 2022-2023 season, there are 363 teams that compete in Division 1 basketball. These teams are divided into 32 conferences, each with its own unique history, rivalries, and strengths. The largest conference in Division 1 is the NCAA Independents, which features 13 teams that don't belong to any specific conference.
The Conferences of Division 1 Basketball
Here's a breakdown of the 32 conferences that make up Division 1 basketball:
American Athletic Conference (11 teams)
America East (9 teams)
ASUN Conference (12 teams)
Atlantic 10 Conference (14 teams)
Atlantic Coast Conference (15 teams)
Big 12 Conference (10 teams)
Big East Conference (11 teams)
Big Sky Conference (12 teams)
Big South Conference (12 teams)
Big Ten Conference (14 teams)
Colonial Athletic Association (10 teams)
Conference USA (14 teams)
Horizon League (12 teams)
Ivy League (8 teams)
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (11 teams)
Mid-American Conference (12 teams)
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (13 teams)
Missouri Valley Conference (10 teams)
Mountain West Conference (12 teams)
NCAA Independents (13 teams)
Northeast Conference (10 teams)
Ohio Valley Conference (12 teams)
Pac-12 Conference (12 teams)
Patriot League (10 teams)
Southeastern Conference (14 teams)
Southern Conference (10 teams)
Southland Conference (13 teams)
Southwestern Athletic Conference (10 teams)
Summit League (9 teams)
Sun Belt Conference (12 teams)
West Coast Conference (10 teams)
Western Athletic Conference (13 teams)
The Biggest Conferences in Division 1 Basketball
While all 32 conferences have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, some conferences stand out as powerhouses in the world of Division 1 basketball. Here are the top 5 conferences in terms of NCAA Tournament bids and wins:
1. Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) - 144 NCAA Tournament bids, 74 NCAA Tournament wins
2. Big 12 Conference - 134 NCAA Tournament bids, 64 NCAA Tournament wins
3. Big Ten Conference - 132 NCAA Tournament bids, 63 NCAA Tournament wins
4. Southeastern Conference (SEC) - 129 NCAA Tournament bids, 62 NCAA Tournament wins
5. Pac-12 Conference - 125 NCAA Tournament bids, 59 NCAA Tournament wins
The Smallest Conferences in Division 1 Basketball
On the other end of the spectrum, there are conferences that struggle to get teams into the NCAA Tournament. Here are the 5 smallest conferences in terms of NCAA Tournament bids and wins:
1. Ivy League - 44 NCAA Tournament bids, 15 NCAA Tournament wins
2. Patriot League - 43 NCAA Tournament bids, 13 NCAA Tournament wins
3. Northeast Conference - 42 NCAA Tournament bids, 12 NCAA Tournament wins
4. America East - 41 NCAA Tournament bids, 11 NCAA Tournament wins
5. Summit League - 39 NCAA Tournament bids, 10 NCAA Tournament wins
What Does It Take to Be a Division 1 Basketball Team?
To be a Division 1 basketball team, a school must meet certain criteria set by the NCAA. These criteria include:
Scholarship requirements: Division 1 teams are allowed to offer a maximum of 13 scholarships per year.
Budget requirements: Division 1 teams must have a minimum budget of $1.4 million per year.
Facility requirements: Division 1 teams must have access to top-notch facilities, including a minimum seating capacity of 5,000.
Scheduling requirements: Division 1 teams must play a minimum of 25 games per season, with at least 16 games against Division 1 opponents.
Academic requirements: Division 1 teams must meet certain academic standards, including a minimum GPA requirement for players.
In conclusion, Division 1 basketball is a highly competitive league featuring 363 teams across 32 conferences. From the powerhouses of the ACC and Big 12 to the smaller conferences like the Ivy League and Patriot League, each team has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Whether you're a die-hard basketball fan or just starting to learn about the sport, understanding the world of Division 1 basketball can enhance your appreciation for the game.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of Division 1 basketball. At Triple Threat Tactics, we're passionate about basketball and dedicated to helping players and coaches reach their full potential. Whether you're looking for coaching tips, training advice, or simply want to stay up-to-date on the latest basketball news, we're here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Division 1 basketball?
Division 1 basketball, also known as D1 basketball, is the highest level of college basketball in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). It is comprised of the most competitive and elite college basketball programs in the United States.
How many teams are in Division 1 basketball?
There are currently 358 teams that compete in Division 1 basketball. These teams are divided into 32 conferences, with each conference consisting of between 6 and 16 teams.
What are the conferences in Division 1 basketball?
The 32 conferences in Division 1 basketball are: America East, American Athletic Conference, ASUN Conference, Atlantic 10 Conference, Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 12 Conference, Big East Conference, Big Sky Conference, Big South Conference, Big Ten Conference, Colonial Athletic Association, Conference USA, Horizon League, Ivy League, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, Mid-American Conference, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, Missouri Valley Conference, Mountain West Conference, Northeast Conference, Ohio Valley Conference, Pac-12 Conference, Patriot League, Southeastern Conference, Southern Conference, Southland Conference, Southwestern Athletic Conference, Summit League, Sun Belt Conference, West Coast Conference, and Western Athletic Conference.
How do teams qualify for Division 1 basketball?
Teams qualify for Division 1 basketball by meeting certain eligibility requirements set by the NCAA. These requirements include having a minimum number of scholarships, a certain level of athletic budget, and meeting specific academic and athletic performance standards.
What is the difference between Division 1 and Division 2 basketball?
The main difference between Division 1 and Division 2 basketball is the level of competition and the resources available to each division. Division 1 teams have more scholarships, larger budgets, and more competitive schedules than Division 2 teams. Division 2 teams, on the other hand, have fewer scholarships and smaller budgets, but still offer a high level of competition.
Can Division 2 teams compete against Division 1 teams?
Yes, Division 2 teams can compete against Division 1 teams in regular season games. However, Division 2 teams are not eligible to participate in the NCAA Division 1 tournament.
How do teams get invited to the NCAA Division 1 tournament?
Teams get invited to the NCAA Division 1 tournament by earning an automatic bid or by receiving an at-large bid. Automatic bids are awarded to the winners of each conference tournament, while at-large bids are awarded to teams that are selected by the NCAA Selection Committee based on their regular season performance.
How many teams participate in the NCAA Division 1 tournament?
A total of 68 teams participate in the NCAA Division 1 tournament. This includes 32 automatic bids and 36 at-large bids.
What is the format of the NCAA Division 1 tournament?
The NCAA Division 1 tournament is a single-elimination tournament that takes place over the course of three weeks. The tournament is divided into four regions, with each region featuring 16 teams. The winners of each region advance to the Final Four, which is held at a neutral site.
What is the significance of being a Division 1 basketball player?
Being a Division 1 basketball player is a significant achievement, as it indicates that a player is among the best in the country. Division 1 players have access to top-level coaching, training facilities, and competition, which can help them develop their skills and prepare for a potential professional career.
Do Division 1 basketball players get scholarships?
Yes, Division 1 basketball players are eligible for athletic scholarships, which can cover some or all of their tuition, room, and board. The amount of the scholarship varies depending on the school and the player's level of talent.
Can Division 1 basketball players go pro?
Yes, Division 1 basketball players can go pro after completing their college eligibility. Many Division 1 players are drafted into the NBA or sign professional contracts with teams overseas.
What is the average salary of a Division 1 basketball coach?
The average salary of a Division 1 basketball coach varies depending on the school and the coach's level of experience. However, top-level Division 1 coaches can earn salaries ranging from $1 million to $5 million or more per year.
How do Division 1 basketball teams make money?
Division 1 basketball teams make money through a variety of revenue streams, including ticket sales, television contracts, sponsorships, and donations. They also receive a share of the revenue generated by the NCAA tournament.
What is the role of the NCAA in Division 1 basketball?
The NCAA is the governing body for Division 1 basketball, and is responsible for setting rules, regulations, and standards for the sport. The NCAA also oversees the NCAA tournament and distributes revenue to member schools.
How do Division 1 basketball teams schedule their games?
Division 1 basketball teams schedule their games through a combination of conference games, non-conference games, and tournaments. Teams typically play a 30-game regular season schedule, with 18-20 games against conference opponents and 10-12 games against non-conference opponents.
What is the importance of conference play in Division 1 basketball?
Conference play is important in Division 1 basketball because it determines a team's conference standings and eligibility for the NCAA tournament. Conference games are also often more competitive and intense than non-conference games, as teams are fighting for conference championships and NCAA bids.
Can Division 1 basketball teams play in multiple conferences?
No, Division 1 basketball teams can only play in one conference. Teams that switch conferences must meet certain eligibility requirements and may face penalties or restrictions on their athletic programs.
What is the role of the conference commissioner in Division 1 basketball?
The conference commissioner is the chief executive officer of a conference and is responsible for overseeing the conference's operations, including scheduling, officiating, and rules enforcement. The commissioner also represents the conference in NCAA meetings and negotiations.
How do Division 1 basketball teams handle injuries and player safety?
Division 1 basketball teams take player safety and injury prevention seriously, with trained medical staff and athletic trainers on hand to provide care and treatment to injured players. Teams also have protocols in place for concussion protocols, injury reporting, and return-to-play procedures.
What is the impact of Division 1 basketball on college campuses?
Division 1 basketball has a significant impact on college campuses, generating revenue, excitement, and school spirit. It also provides opportunities for student-athletes to develop their skills, earn scholarships, and prepare for future careers.
Can Division 1 basketball teams have international players?
Yes, Division 1 basketball teams can have international players, as long as they meet NCAA eligibility requirements. Many top-level Division 1 programs have international players on their rosters, who bring unique skills and perspectives to the team.
What is the role of the NCAA in promoting diversity and inclusion in Division 1 basketball?
The NCAA is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in Division 1 basketball, through initiatives such as diversity and inclusion grants, leadership development programs, and cultural competency training. The NCAA also has policies in place to promote diversity and inclusion in hiring practices and athletic department operations.
