naia

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is a governing body for intercollegiate athletics focused on smaller colleges and universities in North America. It sponsors national championships across multiple sports and emphasizes character, academic achievement, and amateurism in addition to athletic competition. The NAIA includes colleges and universities from the United States and Canada.

Established in 1937, the NAIA was created to provide a coordinated national structure for competition among smaller institutions and to promote sportsmanship and integrity. It has grown to encompass hundreds of member campuses and a wide range of championships.

Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, the NAIA is governed by a Board of Directors and a Presidents’ Council, with a President/CEO overseeing day-to-day operations. Member institutions participate in various committees that guide rules, championships, and student-athlete welfare.

The association offers national championships in many sports for men and women, including basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, cross country, track and field, golf, tennis, and volleyball, among others. It maintains the Champion of Character program to emphasize leadership, integrity, and service.

Compared with larger associations, the NAIA is often characterized by smaller campus contexts and a strong emphasis on inclusive participation and character values. It is distinct from the NCAA, though some member schools have transitioned between organizations over time.