New NCAA Men’s Basketball Scholarship Limits

Starting with the 2025-2026 academic year, the NCAA is set to implement significant changes to Division 1 scholarship limits, pending approval of a proposed settlement. This adjustment will give schools increased flexibility in how scholarships are distributed among athletes, potentially transforming the college basketball recruiting landscape.

Here’s How These Changes Would Affect Men’s Basketball Recruits:

• Increased Scholarships: Division 1 basketball programs will be allowed to offer 15 scholarships, up from the current limit of 13.
• Roster Limits: Teams will be capped at a maximum of 15 players on the roster.
• Equivalency Sport: Men’s basketball will transition from a headcount sport, where only full scholarships were available, to an equivalency sport, allowing schools to offer a combination of partial and full scholarships.

While the NCAA sets these maximum limits, individual schools are not obligated to meet them. Programs may choose to offer fewer scholarships or maintain smaller rosters depending on their resources and recruitment strategies.

NCAA Basketball Scholarships by Division Level

Basketball scholarships vary depending on the division level, with each level offering different numbers of teams, athletes, and scholarship limits. Below is a breakdown of the current and upcoming scholarship rules for the 2025-2026 academic year.

• NCAA Division 1:

  • Teams: 352
  • Total Athletes: 5,607
  • Average Team Size: 15.9 players
  • Current Limit: 13 scholarships; will increase to 15 starting in 2025-26. D1 will shift to an equivalency sport, allowing partial scholarships.

• NCAA Division 2:

  • Teams: 306
  • Total Athletes: 5,648
  • Average Team Size: 18.5 players
  • Scholarship Limit: Set at 10, unchanged in 2025-26. D2 operates as an equivalency sport, offering partial scholarships.

• NCAA Division 3:

  • Teams: 414
  • Total Athletes: 8,020
  • Average Team Size: 19.4 players
  • Scholarship Offering: NCAA D3 programs do not offer athletic scholarships but provide other forms of financial aid based on merit and need.

• NAIA Division 1:

  • Teams: 215
  • Total Athletes: 1,864
  • Average Team Size: 20 players
  • Scholarship Limit: Set at 8, unchanged in 2025-26. NAIA operates under an equivalency model.

• JUCO:

  • Teams: 430
  • Total Athletes: 6,352
  • Average Team Size: 15 players
  • Scholarship Offering: JUCO programs offer up to 15 scholarships, remaining the same in 2025-26, following an equivalency scholarship model.

Each division has its own approach to scholarships, with varying limits and structures. As student-athletes explore their opportunities, it’s important to understand how these rules affect scholarship availability and team composition.

How Many Players on a College Basketball Team?

According to NCAA regulations, a college basketball team can have up to 15 players on its roster. However, not all programs fill the maximum number of spots. During any game, only five players from each team are allowed on the court at one time.

How to Get a Basketball Scholarship

Securing a basketball scholarship involves meeting specific criteria that college coaches look for in recruits. Below are essential steps to increase your chances of earning a scholarship:

1. Compete at the Highest Level Possible: Coaches assess a recruit’s abilities by watching them play against top-tier talent. Participation in AAU basketball is particularly popular among college programs for national exposure.

2. Compete During Summer Live Periods: These periods are crucial for coaches to scout talent as they can evaluate multiple players simultaneously. Playing in front of coaches during this time is vital.

3. Attend Elite Camps: Coaches scout talent at elite camps, often invitation-only, attracting top recruits and coaches nationwide. Attend camps where coaches from your target schools will be present.

4. Excel Academically: Strong grades and test scores are important. Academic aid can supplement athletic scholarships, making you a more attractive recruit.

5. Create a Highlight Video: A well-produced highlight video makes a strong first impression on coaches and is often the tool that secures an in-person evaluation.

6. Be Proactive: Most coaches don’t simply “discover” players. Recruits must actively reach out to coaches by sending emails, making phone calls, and providing highlight videos.

7. Know Your Best Fit: Visit the college rosters of your target schools to see if they’re a good fit based on factors like graduating players, athletic stats, and the coach’s recruiting methods.

What Are the Odds of Getting a Basketball Scholarship?

While competition is tough, securing a basketball scholarship isn’t impossible. Across NCAA D1 to JUCO levels, there are 27,429 men’s basketball players across nearly 1,740 programs. The odds of a high school player making a D1 roster are 105:1, while the odds of making any college roster are 18:1.

Starting in 2025-26, D1 men’s basketball will become an equivalency sport, meaning coaches can offer full or partial scholarships, giving more flexibility in distributing funds.

Can You Play College Basketball Without a Scholarship?

Yes, but it’s rare, especially at the D1 level. These players are known as walk-ons, and with the upcoming NCAA changes in 2025-2026, the impact on walk-ons will vary by school. D2, NAIA, and JUCO programs are generally more open to walk-ons, and some athletes can earn scholarships later in their college careers.

How Many Scholarships Are Available for Men’s D1 Basketball?

Beginning in 2025-26, D1 men’s basketball programs will have a roster limit of 15 and will be able to offer 15 scholarships. The sport will shift from headcount to equivalency, allowing coaches to divide scholarships into full or partial awards.

Until the new rule takes effect, D1 programs can offer up to 13 full scholarships.

How to Get a D1 Basketball Scholarship

Here are important factors to consider when aiming for a D1 basketball scholarship:

• Recruit Early: D1 coaches often start scouting talent in middle school. Being on coaches’ radars before your junior year is essential.
• Play at an Elite Level: Only the top 1% of high school athletes reach the D1 level. Most recruits play for AAU teams and compete nationally.
• Attend Summer Tournaments and Elite Camps: Summer is when most scouting occurs. Participation in elite camps and tournaments is crucial for visibility.
• Maintain Strong Academics: Good grades and high test scores will increase your chances of getting recruited.
• Be Proactive: Create a highlight video, contact coaches, and stay engaged throughout the recruiting process.

How Many Division 2 Men’s Basketball Scholarships Are There?

NCAA D2 coaches can offer up to 10 scholarships per team, which are equivalency scholarships that can be split among multiple athletes.

Division 3 Men’s Basketball Scholarships

D3 schools do not offer athletic scholarships, but many provide merit-based or need-based financial aid packages. These schools often rely on academic scholarships and other forms of financial aid to attract student-athletes.

NAIA Basketball Scholarships

NAIA basketball programs can offer up to 8 scholarships per team. These are also equivalency scholarships, allowing coaches to distribute them as partial awards.

JUCO Men’s Basketball Scholarships

Junior college (JUCO) programs offer up to 15 scholarships per team, but only Division 1 JUCOs can offer full rides. Division 2 JUCOs can provide scholarships covering tuition, fees, and books but not housing.

Basketball Scholarship Requirements

To qualify for NCAA D1 or D2 scholarships, athletes must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and meet academic requirements, including maintaining a minimum GPA and passing core courses.

What Are the Best Colleges for Basketball Scholarships?

The key to securing a basketball scholarship is finding the best fit based on your athletic ability and the program’s needs. Recruits should research college rosters and coaches’ recruiting styles to ensure they target schools where they can make an impact.

Some of the top schools known for basketball scholarships include:

• D1 Programs: Stanford University, University of Florida, Princeton University
• D2 Programs: Colorado School of Mines, Bentley University
• D3 Programs: Johns Hopkins University, Washington University in St. Louis
• NAIA Programs: Dordt University, Oklahoma City University
• JUCO Programs: Barton Community College, Vincennes University

How Many Full-Ride Scholarships for Basketball Are There?

Starting in 2025-26, NCAA D1 men’s basketball programs will offer 15 scholarships, which coaches can distribute as full or partial awards. Many other divisions, including D2 and NAIA, offer partial scholarships, allowing coaches to spread their available funds across multiple athletes.

To understand your full scholarship potential, it’s essential to connect with coaches and discuss their program’s financial aid structure.

For further guidance, reach out to recruiting coaches or specialists who can help navigate the scholarship process. Using Athlete Pipeline can streamline this journey, ensuring you have the tools to maximize your recruitment potential.