Where Does The Money Go?
This page reflects how NCAA revenue is distributed to support more than 500,000 student-athletes and initiatives, member schools and athletics conferences. As a nonprofit organization, the NCAA puts its money where its mission is: equipping student-athletes to succeed in competition, in the classroom and throughout life.
The NCAA receives most of its annual revenue from two sources. That money is distributed in more than a dozen ways – almost all of which directly support NCAA schools, conferences and nearly half a million student-athletes.
Where it Comes From
$948.4M
Television and marketing rights
$263.2M
Championship Tournaments
Who it Supports
Student-athletes are at the heart of the NCAA’s mission. Over a half a million NCAA student-athletes are competing in Divisions I, II and III sports. The NCAA hosts 90 championships each year in 24 sports.
How it's Distributed
$226.0M
Sport Sponsorship and Scholarship Funds
With rising costs on campus, the NCAA is providing members with support. Funds are distributed to Division I schools to help cover the costs of NCAA sports and to provide scholarships for college athletes.
$204.2M
Division I Championships
Provides college athletes the opportunity to compete for a championship and includes support for team travel, food, and lodging.
$171.2M
Division I Basketball Performance Fund
Distributed to Division I conferences and independent schools based on their performance in the men’s basketball tournament over a six-year rolling period. The money is also used to fund NCAA sports and provide scholarships for college athletes.
$71.9M
Other Association-Wide Expenses
Includes support for Association-wide legal services, communications, and business insurance.
$26.0M
Post-Eligibility Insurance
The NCAA continues to invest in student-athlete well-being with an anticipated $26 million being dedicated to post-eligibility costs for 2024-25.
$89.0M
Student Assistance Fund
Distributed to Division I student-athletes for essential needs that arise during their time in college.
$99.5M
Academic Enhancement and Performance Funds
Distributed to Division I membership to assist with academic programs and services. The Academic Performance Fund is distributed based on student-athletes’ academic performance.
$54.8M
Division I Equal Conference Fund
Distributed equally among Division I basketball-playing conferences that meet athletic and academic standards to play in the men's basketball tournament. The money is used to fund NCAA sports and provide scholarships for college athletes.
$60.9M
Division II Programs and Services**
Funds championships, grants, and other initiatives for Division II college athletes.
$49.7M
General and Administrative Expenses
Funds the day-to-day operations of the NCAA national office, including administrative and financial services, information technology and facilities management. The NCAA national office continues to look for ways to offset costs which benefits member schools.
$46.3M
Division III Programs and Services**
Funds championships, grants, and other initiatives for Division III college athletes.
$25.0M
Supplemental Division I Distribution
If at the end of the NCAA’s fiscal year, there are unallocated net assets, the NCAA Chief Financial Officer may propose, and the NCAA Board of Governors Finance and Audit committee may approve a Supplemental Division I Revenue Distribution. This is not a budgeted or planned distribution.
$27.6M
Membership Support Services
Covers costs related to NCAA governance committees and the annual NCAA Convention. The NCAA is a membership-run association which meets regularly to discuss business and operations that benefit its members, which include student-athletes.
$10.1M
Division I Conference Grants
Distributed to Division I conferences for programs that enhance officiating, compliance, social impact opportunities and more.
$6.0M
Educational Programs
Supports various educational services to help prepare student-athletes for life and athletics administrators for leadership roles, including the Emerging Leaders Seminars and the Pathway Program.  The NCAA is intentional in its efforts to support student-athletes and professional development.
More on NCAA finances.
* Figures are from the 2023-24 fiscal year. The distributions listed are recurring; the information does not include one-time distributions.
** Division II and Division III programs and services were calculated based on general accounting standards for Not-for-Profit entities. The expenses reported herein differ from amounts allocated to Division II and Division III under the Association’s federation rules.
Did You Know?
The NCAA does not receive funds from the Division I College Football Playoff and football bowl games. These events are independently operated.
