The National Collegiate Athletic Association, or NCAA, is the governing body that oversees all the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the U.S. and beyond. More than 1,200 schools, conferences and individuals comprise the membership of the organization. While the NCAA is in charge of regulating athletic programs, they also are in charge of some of the biggest events in sports.
Volleyball, softball, tennis are just some of the sports that the NCAA watches over, it is football and basketball that have become the major money-makers for college athletics. Football with its huge stadiums, conferences championships and bowl games bring in billions of dollars in revenue each year to the universities and the NCAA. The National Championship game annually has become one of the toughest tickets in sports to get, with prices going well above $1,000. For basketball, fan interest is peaked during March, when the NCAA Tournament rolls around. From first round games to the Final Four, the tournament brings in big money in revenue.
