Gender Equity Updates

The NCAA is committed to providing equitable and positive championship experiences for all college athletes.

Achieving gender equity requires working together for change. Meaningful and lasting impact will be achieved through thoughtful efforts among an array of NCAA members, college athletes and NCAA staff.

"A continued commitment to equity must be at the center of everything in college sports. Since I joined the NCAA this year, the NCAA adjusted the championships bid process to be more innovative and to prioritize equitable championship experiences across all sports and host locations. I also directed national office senior leadership and staff to be relentless in striving to achieve equity in all that we do – including at all NCAA championships – and I urge leaders at all colleges and universities to prioritize equity throughout college sports. I will continue to push the Association to examine our efforts in the years to come as we focus on fairness and equity for college athletes because every competitor deserves a shot at the unmatched opportunity college sports provides."

Gender Equity Review

The NCAA retained the law firm of Kaplan Hecker & Fink LLP (“KHF”) in 2021 to conduct a comprehensive and thorough external review of gender equity issues in connection with the NCAA, focusing on NCAA championships.

The focus of this review was on women’s and men’s basketball and the gender equity issues that arose out of the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships in 2021. KHF completed this phase of its review and delivered to the NCAA Board of Governors a written report that includes its findings and recommendations.

The focus of the second phase of the review included an examination across the NCAA’s other sports and championships. KHF completed this phase of its review and delivered to the NCAA Board of Governors a written report that includes its findings and recommendations.

"The NCAA has made a concerted effort to implement gender equity principles throughout our work, and this gender equity progress report confirms that those efforts are enhancing the experiences of college athletes, especially for those participating at NCAA championships across all sports. In addition to focusing on equity in 88 championships this past year, we have made additional strides toward equity of opportunity in Division I women's basketball with the creation of the WBIT and the first College Basketball Academy for women. We still have work to do, but we are proud of these results."

Action Complete

Increased communication and collaboration on strategy between Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Committees and Basketball Oversight Committees to achieve gender equity in the student-athlete experience.
Established internal gender equity evaluation process.
Increased NCAA staff with expertise in Title IX and gender equity.
“March Madness” branding used for Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships.
Equitable branding for all championships, including gender modifiers in championship titles.
Established corporate sponsorship activation internal tracking system for 2021-22 championships and beyond.
Funding approved to broadcast Division III women's basketball championship beginning in 2022.
First ever DII WBB national coordinator of officiating hired.
Held first annual meeting of WBOC and DI/DII/DIII women’s basketball committees.
Conducted a “zero-based” budget for Division I men’s and women’s basketball, which resulted in enhancements for the student-athlete experience at the women’s basketball championship.
Provided additional staff and resources for championship administration.
Developed equity in staffing for Division I men’s and women’s basketball.
Established regular strategy discussions between the Division II and III men’s and women’s basketball committees to achieve gender equity in the student-athlete experience.
Expanded women's basketball bracket.
Concluded exploration of concept to host Men’s and Women’s Final Fours in same city, with Division I Women’s and Men’s Basketball Committees voting unanimously to continue hosting separate events through at least 2031.
Gender-equitable student-athlete experience opportunities at the Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships.
Increased cross-promotion of the Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships.
Third-party audit to ensure gender equity in 2022 and 2023 championships was achieved.
Consider independent valuation of media rights for championships.
Pursue marketing and promotional opportunities for Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships.
Implement strategy to realize the value of the Division I Women’s Basketball Championship (and other championships across the NCAA).

In Progress

Ensure items impacting the student-athlete experience at 84 championships in addition to basketball are gender-equitable.
For all championships with non-joint committees, establish regular communications that focus on coordinating strategic decisions and achieving gender equity in the student-athlete experience.
Apply gender equity values to revenue distribution.

Future Consideration

Evaluate and reward performance for contributions to gender equity.
Conduct a “zero-based” budget for all championships in addition to basketball.
Create a transparent process for increasing the bracket/field and travel party size for championships in addition to basketball.
Conduct an assessment for combining or co-locating men’s and women’s events among those 84 championships.
Change leadership structure of Division I basketball to prioritize gender equity and coordination between the men’s and women’s tournaments.
Create senior-level position to implement marketing strategy to achieve gender equity at championships.
Negotiate for a new tier of corporate sponsors for the Division I Women’s Basketball Championship (and other NCAA championships).
Financial support to teams participating in non-NCAA postseason events.
Equitable funding for NCAA programs provided for all future initiatives.