Women’s sports reach record NCAA participation as leadership roles keep rising

March 1, 2026

Women’s participation in NCAA sports has reached a record high. So has women’s influence in leadership across college athletics.

During the 2024-25 academic year — the latest NCAA Sports Sponsorship and Participation data available — 242,341 student-athletes competed across NCAA women’s championship and emerging sports, marking a 14% increase over the past decade. Growth is evident in all three  divisions, reinforcing the continued momentum of women’s sports nationwide.

At the same time, representation of women in key leadership positions, including athletics directors, head coaches and college presidents, continues to trend upward, signaling progress both on the field and in decision-making roles. NCCA