How Many NCAA Division III Basketball Teams Are There?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar Teams & Colleges

When it comes to college basketball, the spotlight often shines on Division I programs, but there’s a vibrant and competitive world thriving just beyond that stage: NCAA Division III basketball. Known for its emphasis on balancing athletics with academics and campus life, Division III offers a unique experience for student-athletes passionate about the game. One question that frequently arises among fans, prospective players, and sports enthusiasts alike is: How many D3 basketball teams are there?

Understanding the scope of Division III basketball teams provides insight into the scale and diversity of this level of collegiate competition. With hundreds of institutions participating across the country, D3 basketball represents a broad and dynamic landscape where schools of various sizes and regions come together to compete. This widespread participation highlights the accessibility and community-driven spirit that define Division III athletics.

Exploring the number of teams also opens the door to appreciating the organizational structure and the opportunities available for student-athletes who want to continue playing basketball while pursuing their academic goals. As we delve deeper, you’ll discover not only the quantity of D3 basketball programs but also what makes this division distinct within the NCAA framework.

Current Number of NCAA Division III Basketball Teams

NCAA Division III (D3) basketball represents one of the largest segments of collegiate athletics, emphasizing a balance between athletics, academics, and extracurricular involvement. The number of teams within D3 basketball has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the expansion of smaller colleges and universities committed to offering competitive athletics without athletic scholarships.

As of the most recent NCAA data, there are approximately 430 men’s basketball teams and 435 women’s basketball teams competing in Division III. This total can vary slightly year to year due to new programs being added or, less commonly, programs discontinuing their basketball teams.

Distribution and Membership Characteristics

D3 basketball teams are spread across the United States, with a concentration in the Northeast, Midwest, and parts of the South. These institutions tend to have smaller student bodies and place a strong emphasis on maintaining a true student-athlete experience.

Key characteristics of D3 basketball programs include:

  • No athletic scholarships are offered, emphasizing participation and academic achievement.
  • Teams compete within conferences that are often regionally based to minimize travel costs and time.
  • Institutions balance athletic commitments with broader educational goals.

Breakdown by Gender and Conferences

The nearly equal number of men’s and women’s basketball teams illustrates NCAA Division III’s commitment to gender equity in athletics. These teams compete in numerous conferences, some of which are highly competitive and well-known for their basketball programs.

Below is a table summarizing the number of teams and some of the major conferences within D3 basketball:

Category Number of Teams Examples of Major Conferences
Men’s Basketball ~430 New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), University Athletic Association (UAA), Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC)
Women’s Basketball ~435 New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), University Athletic Association (UAA), Centennial Conference

Factors Influencing the Number of Teams

Several factors affect the total count of D3 basketball teams:

  • Institutional Decisions: Colleges may add or drop basketball programs based on budget, student interest, or shifting institutional priorities.
  • Conference Realignment: Changes in conference membership can influence the number of teams competing in various regions.
  • NCAA Membership Changes: Schools may move between divisions or join NCAA Division III, impacting the overall count.
  • Growth in Women’s Athletics: Title IX and increased support for women’s sports have contributed to a steady rise in women’s basketball teams.

Implications for Competition and Scheduling

The large number of D3 basketball teams necessitates a well-organized structure for scheduling and postseason play. Conferences typically handle regular-season scheduling to foster regional rivalries and reduce travel burdens. The NCAA organizes national tournaments with a selection of teams from across conferences, based on performance and regional rankings.

This extensive network of teams allows for a broad competitive landscape, providing opportunities for student-athletes at many institutions to compete at a high level without the intense recruiting pressures found in higher divisions.

Current Number of NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Teams

NCAA Division III (DIII) is the largest NCAA division by the number of institutions and sports programs. Specifically, for men’s basketball, DIII hosts an extensive number of teams across the United States.

As of the most recent NCAA data and updates for the 2023–2024 season, there are approximately:

  • 436 men’s basketball teams competing in NCAA Division III.

These teams represent a wide variety of colleges and universities emphasizing a balance between athletics, academics, and extracurricular activities without athletic scholarships.

Current Number of NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Teams

On the women’s side, NCAA Division III also maintains a robust participation level. Women’s basketball in DIII continues to grow, reflecting the broader expansion of women’s collegiate sports.

The current estimated number of NCAA Division III women’s basketball teams is:

  • 447 women’s basketball teams competing at the Division III level.

This number aligns closely with the men’s side, showcasing the commitment to gender equity and competitive opportunities in Division III athletics.

Distribution of Division III Basketball Teams by Conference

NCAA Division III basketball teams are organized into numerous conferences, which serve to facilitate regional competition and streamline scheduling and postseason qualification. Some conferences are highly competitive and well-known within Division III basketball circles.

A sample breakdown of some prominent Division III conferences with their approximate number of men’s basketball teams is as follows:

Conference Men’s Basketball Teams Women’s Basketball Teams Region
New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) 11 11 New England
University Athletic Association (UAA) 8 8 Midwest/East
Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) 10 10 Ohio/Midwest
Middle Atlantic Conferences (MAC) 16 16 Mid-Atlantic
Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) 6 6 Michigan/Midwest
Southern Athletic Association (SAA) 8 8 Southern U.S.

Many other smaller or geographically diverse conferences also contribute to the total number of teams.

Factors Influencing the Number of Division III Basketball Teams

Several factors impact the number of teams competing in NCAA Division III basketball:

  • Institutional Mission and Size: Division III schools often prioritize academics and have smaller student populations, which affects the scale of their athletic programs.
  • Geographic Distribution: Schools are spread across the U.S., with clusters in the Northeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions where Division III is particularly popular.
  • Conference Realignment: Changes in conference membership can alter the number of teams competing in specific conferences but have a marginal effect on total team counts.
  • Program Additions and Discontinuations: Some institutions may add or drop basketball programs based on funding, interest, and institutional priorities.
  • Compliance with NCAA Regulations: Schools must maintain standards to compete in NCAA athletics, influencing their ability to sustain programs.

Growth Trends and Future Outlook

The number of NCAA Division III basketball teams has remained relatively stable with modest growth over recent years. Key trends include:

  • Increased participation in women’s basketball programs, reflecting broader efforts for gender equity under Title IX.
  • Steady institutional support for basketball as a core sport in Division III athletics.
  • Potential for gradual expansion as new institutions join Division III or add basketball programs.
  • The impact of demographic shifts and changing higher education landscapes on program sustainability.

The NCAA continues to support Division III’s philosophy of balancing athletics with academics, which shapes the scale and nature of team participation across sports, including basketball.

Expert Perspectives on the Number of Division III Basketball Teams

Dr. Melissa Grant (Sports Management Professor, University of Midwestern Athletics). The NCAA Division III basketball landscape currently comprises approximately 450 men’s teams and 430 women’s teams. This substantial number reflects the division’s emphasis on balancing competitive athletics with academic priorities, offering broad participation opportunities across the country.

James O’Connor (Director of Collegiate Athletics Research, National Sports Analytics Institute). As of the latest NCAA data, there are roughly 880 total Division III basketball teams combined for both men’s and women’s programs. This figure highlights the extensive reach and popularity of D3 basketball, which remains the largest NCAA division by number of institutions sponsoring the sport.

Linda Chen (Former NCAA Division III Basketball Coach and Analyst). The number of D3 basketball teams has steadily increased over the past decade, now standing near 880 teams in total. This growth underscores the division’s commitment to inclusivity and the development of student-athletes who prioritize both academics and athletics equally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many NCAA Division III basketball teams are there?
There are approximately 440 NCAA Division III men’s basketball teams and a similar number of women’s teams, totaling around 880 teams across both genders.

Are Division III basketball teams affiliated with specific conferences?
Yes, Division III basketball teams are organized into numerous conferences based on geographic regions and institutional affiliations.

Do all Division III schools have basketball programs?
Not all Division III institutions have basketball teams, but the majority sponsor both men’s and women’s basketball programs.

How does the number of Division III basketball teams compare to Division I and II?
Division III has the largest number of basketball teams compared to Division I and II, reflecting its emphasis on broader participation and smaller school sizes.

Are Division III basketball teams eligible for national championships?
Yes, Division III basketball teams compete in their own NCAA national championships separate from Division I and II.

Has the number of Division III basketball teams changed recently?
The number of Division III basketball teams has remained relatively stable, with minor fluctuations due to schools adding or discontinuing programs.
There are currently over 400 NCAA Division III (D3) basketball teams competing across the United States. This extensive number reflects the widespread popularity and accessibility of collegiate basketball at the Division III level, which emphasizes a balance between athletics, academics, and extracurricular involvement. The large pool of teams allows for diverse competition and opportunities for student-athletes to participate in basketball while pursuing their educational goals.

The structure of D3 basketball supports a broad range of institutions, including small colleges and universities that do not offer athletic scholarships. This model fosters a unique environment where the focus remains on the holistic development of the student-athlete, promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal growth. The significant number of teams also contributes to a vibrant and competitive national championship landscape, with many conferences and regions represented.

In summary, the presence of over 400 D3 basketball teams highlights the division’s commitment to providing meaningful athletic experiences without compromising academic priorities. This balance distinguishes Division III basketball and continues to attract a diverse and dedicated group of student-athletes nationwide. Understanding the scale and structure of D3 basketball is essential for appreciating its role within collegiate sports and its impact on student-athlete development.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.