1950's: College sports began to gain popularity. At first, heads of college athletics were hesitant to bring their product to TV. They feared it would hurt attendance numbers

1951: Point shaving in college basketball began to turn people away from college basketball... basketball took off after the scandals (Mid 60s)

Jan 1, 1951

1956: NCAA split colleges and universities into divisions 1,2, and 3

Jan 1, 1956

1960: Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) made eligibility requirement a minimum joint score of 750 on the SAT. This began to advance the academic standard colleges held for admitting athletes.

Jan 1, 1960

1962: NCAA followed ACC's 1.6 Predictor Rule (high school rank and test scores to predict a 1.6 grade point average the first year of college). This was the beginning of the academic reform that lasted until 1973.

Jan 1, 1962

Civil Rights Act of 1964- “No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program".

Jan 1, 1964

The Wooden dynasties (1964-75)

Jan 1, 1964

1968 Freshman Eligibility granted by NCAA (addition Evan)

Jan 1, 1968

1972: Title IX created. This was a major step for equality in athletics in the United States. Title IX prohibited discrimination of all forms and increased participation (especially by women) in youth sports.

Jan 1, 1972

1973: NCAA divided institutions into Division 1,2,3 for "competitive and legislative reasons." Division II and Division III schools are allowed to play Division I schools in every sport except football and basketball.

Jan 1, 1973

1976: Division I institutions separated by "true" major football conferences: Big Eight, Big Ten, Southeastern, Southwestern Pacific 8, Western Athletic, and Atlantic Coast conferences.

Jan 1, 1976