NCAA survey shows college athletes' aspirations to go professional

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 5, 2026, 8:35 PM

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

NCAA survey shows college athletes' aspirations to go professional
Summary

A recent NCAA study indicates that over half of Division I male athletes believe they are likely to become professional or Olympic athletes. The survey, part of the NCAA's GOALS study, found 57% of male athletes and only 24% of female athletes hold this belief. Sports with more established professional pathways saw the highest levels of optimism among athletes., 78% of Division I men's basketball players and 75% of Division I men's ice hockey players reported confidence in their chances of turning professional. The expectations drop significantly for athletes in lower divisions, reflecting differing perceptions based on sport and gender. This survey included responses from 20,877 athletes at 493 schools.

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By the Numbers
  • •57% of Division I male athletes foresee a professional athletic future.
  • •Only 24% of female athletes share this belief.
  • •Division I men's basketball has the highest confidence at 78%.
  • •54% of Division I male athletes expect to work in sports after graduation.
  • •Survey includes 20,877 athletes across 493 NCAA schools.
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  • 8:35 PMYahoo Sports — How many college athletes think they’ll become pros?
What they're saying
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A new NCAA survey found more than half of Division I male athletes see themselves as future professionals or Olympians.

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