When it comes to fielding a Division I team, college basketball is about as easy as it gets. It only requires an indoor complex with very little management.
Compare that to college football, which needs a managed field and dozens of scholarship players.
Perhaps that's why there are more than 360 Division I men's college basketball teams.
Which State Has the Most College Basketball Teams?
As of 2024, California has 25 different Division I college basketball programs, which is more than any other state.