In order to understand the magnitude of the issues surrounding intercollegiate athletics within U.S. higher education institutions, it is essential to consider how college sports has evolved from a student-organized activity to big business enterprises on some campuses. This entry focuses on some of the major issues in college sports that complicate the alignment of intercollegiate athletics with U.S. higher education institutions and discusses efforts to better align the mission of academic institutions with the goals of intercollegiate athletic programs.

Although intercollegiate athletics are a U.S. phenomenon, the implications for better alignment can be useful for other countries that are considering incorporating athletics as a part of their higher education system. Many international student–athletes come to the United States to compete because of the educational opportunities ...