Three Divisions. One Shared Purpose.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a nationwide organization to ensure well-being, academic success, and competitive fairness for college athletes. What does the NCAA do? We serve more than 500,000 student-athletes across 1,000+ colleges and universities in three divisions, oversee 90+ national championships and support more than 200,000 students each year as they begin the eligibility process.
Connecting People, Purpose, and Opportunity Through College Sports
College sports are the world’s greatest tool for human development. This simple truth fosters our deep commitment to preparing student-athletes for success – in competition, in college and in life.
A Word From President Baker
“What inspires the 500+ of us on the NCAA team is helping more college students develop leadership, confidence, discipline and teamwork through sports.”
– Charlie Baker, NCAA President
The NCAA exists to foster student-athlete well-being, ensure fair and inclusive competition, and create opportunities for academic and athletic achievement. We champion integrity, access, and student success across all sports and divisions.
How We Support College Athletes
From recruitment to national championships to graduation and beyond, the NCAA supports student-athletes at every stage of their journey. Our organization sets academic standards, oversees national championships, advances health and safety initiatives, and champions competitive fairness. Our efforts in college athletics elevate opportunity and achievement for everyone – including the 98% of student-athletes who go pro in something other than sports.
Governance and Leadership
The NCAA is governed by a Board of Governors, divisional councils, and committees that include student-athletes, administrators, and member institutions. This shared leadership model ensures that transparency, accountability, and student-athlete well-being remain central to college sports.
Our History
Founded in 1906 as a reform movement to protect college athletes, the NCAA has grown into a nationwide association supporting hundreds of thousands of student-athletes each year. Through all this growth and change, our goals have remained resolute: advancing safety, expanding opportunity, and supporting academic excellence while growing the college sports ecosystem.
NCAA Hall of Champions
Located in the heart of Indianapolis, the NCAA Hall of Champions brings college sports to life through two levels of interactive exhibits representing all 24 NCAA sports.
Visiting the NCAA/Main Entrance
182 Wabash Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
NCAA Headquarters Mail/Shipping Address:
National Collegiate Athletic Association
700 W. Washington Street
P.O. Box 6222
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6222
Phone Number: (317) 917-6222