How NCAA Recognition Could Benefit Universities and Athletic Programs

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Despite its decade-long presence as a highly demanding competition, the NCAA’s complex and bureaucratic process for recognizing emerging sports has long hindered competitive dance’s bid for official status. According to the NCAA, a sport is defined as “an institutionalized activity involving physical exertion with the primary purpose being competition versus other teams or individuals within a collegiate competition structure.”[2] Competitive dance meets every one of these standards. It requires intense physical exertion, follows a structured competitive format, and involves teams competing directly against one another at the collegiate level.[3] Currently, most collegiate dance programs remain under the oversight of music departments and marching bands.[4] However, while some programs have begun shifting oversight of these teams to the athletic departments, athletic directors have largely failed to champion the cause.[5] 

This hesitation overlooks the clear benefits that NCAA recognition would bring, not just for the athletes, but for universities as well.[6] Expanding the definition of what constitutes a sport should not be viewed as a zero-sum game where one sport’s recognition comes at the expense of another.[7] Including competitive dance and cheerleading as legitimate athletic endeavors only broadens opportunities for women and girls rather than diminishing existing sports.[8] By granting these athletes the same status, recognition, and benefits as their peers, institutions can acknowledge the rigorous training, skill, and discipline required by collegiate dancers to thrive .[9] Denying them this recognition only perpetuates the outdated, male-centered definition of sports shaped by men’s values, experiences, and perspectives that dominates American sports today.[10] To truly promote inclusivity and equity in athletics, the definition of sport must evolve to reflect the diverse ways in which athletes express their physicality and competitive spirit.

Designating[11] Universities are leaving lucrative financial opportunities on the table, as major companies like Varsity and Disney have demonstrated a deep connection to the sport by generating millions annually through entry fees, regional and national competitions, and partnerships with major brands. With pay-per-view networks, merchandise sales, and packed arenas, dance already meets the kind of marketability that athletic departments [12].[13] A turning point in the push for NCAA recognition of collegiate dance came in 2022 when the LSU Tiger Girls’ hip-hop routine went viral on social media. Their electrifying performance at the UDA College Nationals, danced to Ciara’s [14], captivated millions on platforms like Twitter and TikTok, sparking widespread discussion about the athleticism, artistry, and competitive nature of dance.[15] Fans and athletes alike rallied behind the team, using the viral moment to highlight the lack of institutional recognition and support for collegiate dance programs. The overwhelming engagement demonstrated the sport’s immense popularity, proving that competitive dance has a devoted audience that rivals traditional NCAA sports. Yet, despite the visibility and cultural impact of moments like this, the NCAA has remained[16]level.[17]

Dance teams, which often consist of 14 to 30 members, are relatively low-cost activities compared to other varsity sports.[18] Teams require minimal financial investment compared to other sports; most universities already have the necessary gym facilities, and the only additional needs are Marley flooring and mirrors.[19] Additionally, most teams reuse uniforms and equipment year after year.[20] Their operating costs are minimal, and including dance teams in college athletics would incur little additional expense.[21] However, recognizing dance teams as an official sport grants collegiate dancers the same designation as all other student-athletes, providing unprecedented access to benefits such as scholarships covering tuition, fees, room and board, and course-related books.[22] Despite committing 15-20 hours per week to practice and numerous performances, dance team members currently do not receive any of these benefits.[23] Given its revenue potential and the growing demand from its patrons, the continued lack of recognition for competitive dance is a glaring oversight that universities and the NCAA must address.[24]

The Financial Impact of NCAA Recognition on Dance Teams

Universities and colleges operate within strict budgets, allocating funds to various athletic programs each year.[25] Like many traditional sports teams, dance teams often fundraise for additional expenses, such as travel to distant competitions.[26] While financial support is important, it is the NCAA’s designation and the Office for Civil Rights’ (”OCR“) stance that ultimately determines whether collegiate dance receives the legitimacy and benefits that come with official recognition.[27] Although individual universities and athletic departments may have their own policies, the NCAA holds the ultimate authority in classifying collegiate sports. [28] Accordingly, their refusal to acknowledge dance teams represents the largest barrier to progress, continuing an unfair and illogical cycle.Because dance is not recognized as an NCAA-sanctioned sport, dance team members are [29]denied athletic benefits, financial aid, and, in many cases, eligibility for athletic scholarships.

Unlike collegiate football and basketball programs, which receive millions in supplemental funding each year, dance teams struggle to secure funding for essential expenses like travel and competition. Without this support, it becomes even more difficult to gain the recognition needed to earn NCAA classification. This lack of institutional backing not only places an undue financial burden on dancers but also reinforces the very barriers perpetuating a system that unfairly excludes a highly competitive and physically demanding sport[30].[31]

Competing at a national level places a significant financial burden on dance teams.[32] Unlike NCAA tournaments, Varsity Spirit, a privately owned organization, oversees national competitions like the UDA College Nationals, and teams voluntarily choose to participate.[33] As a result, most universities do not provide financial support for their dance teams.[34] To cover the costs of attendance, teams organize various fundraisers, such as pre-tryout clinics, dance clinics for younger children, and merchandise sales to fans and alumni.[35] 

For the 2022 UDA College Nationals, the cost per dancer ranged from $573 to $866. This fee covers lodging, access to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, a 3-day Park Hopper pass, and transportation to the venue.[36] However, this price does not include the largest expenses such as flights, travel arrangements, costumes, choreographers, or meals. The total cost per dancer is estimated to be between $2,000 and $3,000.[37] Very few universities fully fund their dance teams, so many must rely on fundraising, donations, or out-of-pocket contributions to simply compete.[38] If the NCAA were to establish a National Dance Team Championship, the financial burden would shift, and dance teams could be treated like other NCAA sports. With the NCAA covering the costs, teams can compete without paying out of pocket, while the NCAA would also benefit from the event’s profits.[39] 

Varsity Spirit has already raised funds by hosting championships at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and has built the AdventHealth Arena, a venue designed specifically for cheer and dance events.[40] This arena, constructed by Disney and Varsity management, is one of the largest in the country and can accommodate large crowds, as seen with the College Cheerleading and Dance Team Championship, which features over 4,700 athletes.[41]

Next Steps for the NCAA in Recognition

The NCAA has the authority to shift the current landscape by either (a) establishing its own NCAA College Dance Team Championship or (b) revising the language of the “emerging sport” requirements.[42] The court in Biediger v. Quinnipiac University (2010) ruled[43][44] The NCAA could override this monopoly and provide dance teams with the option to compete in an NCAA-regulated event, allowing them to be recognized as a legitimate “sport.”[45] Currently, there is no governing body overseeing dance teams in terms of safety standards and protections, aside from recommendations from USA Cheer and Varsity Spirit.[46] Dance teams already meet high standards and are often required to maintain specific grade point averages to stay eligible.[47] If the NCAA revised its definition of a sport, it could change the perception of dance teams, shifting the narrative from “just pretty girls entertaining the audience” to legitimate athletes.[48] Why should dance teams be restricted to competition-only purposes? Why is it frowned upon for individuals to compete while also supporting other teams? From an outside perspective, it may seem like the primary goal of a dance team is to look beautiful during games. However, if the NCAA and OCR thoroughly examined the time, effort, and athleticism involved in the competitive aspect of dance teams, they would recognize that there is much more that meets the eye.

MORGAN BLUNT (staff writer) is a 3L at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law and is originally from Charleston, South Carolina. Prior to attending college, she was a competitive dancer for eleven years. After graduating, she hopes to utilize her legal background in assisting athletes in financial decisions, managing media deals, and contract negotiations.

References:

[1] Hannah Rivers, Carolina Girls at UDA Nationals 2025. (Jan. 19, 2025). Private collection.

[2] Emily Owens Price, Not Just Pretty Girls with Pom Poms: An Argument for the NCAA and the Office of Civil Rights to Recognize Collegiate Dance Teams as a Sport (Feb. 18, 2022). https://ssrn.com/abstract=4038444 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4038444

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[13] Zoe Christen Jones, From heartbreak to TikTok stardom: The amazing journey of the LSU Tiger Girls. (Feb. 2. 2022). https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lsu-tiger-girls-like-a-boy-uda-national-champions/

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[19] Emily Owens Price, Not Just Pretty Girls with Pom Poms: An Argument for the NCAA and the Office of Civil Rights to Recognize Collegiate Dance Teams as a Sport (Feb. 18, 2022). https://ssrn.com/abstract=4038444 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4038444

[20] Caroline Berry, Why the OCR and the NCAA Should Recognize Dance Team as a Sport. (Sept. 6, 2023). https://thechargeronline.com/7428/opinions/why-the-ocr-and-the-ncaa-should-recognize-dance-team-as-a-sport/#:~:text=The%20Office%20of%20Civil%20Rights,whose%20sole%20purpose%20is%20competing.

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