SUMMARY - The factors, priorities and processes that NCAA Division I Athletic Directors use to make decisions in adding a sport to their institution are often unclear.  The Collegiate Sport Addition Process (CSAP) emerged from a study designed to understand the factors, priorities, and processes that NCAA Division I Athletic Directors use in determining whether or not to add one or more sports to their institution. The information provided will help leaders recognize the various aspects of the decision-making process and the interdependence of the priority themes – University Viability, Sport Popularity, Association Membership and Access and Opportunity.

The following are common themes contributing to the clarity of the individual decisions being made: 

●      Athletic Climate Change- increased accountability in academics, recruiting, gender equity and an expectation of sound fiscal practices.

●      Higher Education Environment- more complex than ever before as the responsibilities of athletic administrators have become increasingly demanding.  

●      Balance Seeking:

o   diminishing resources available,

o   demanding needs of competitive intercollegiate athletic programs,

o   the athletic “arms race”,

o   increased commercialization of sports,

o   impact of Title IX,

o   potential benefits.

●      Decisions- must consider the impact on the students, the departments, the institution and the external environment.

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