The Bison compete in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)'s and Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS)[2] and are members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference for most sports.

[3] A member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Howard University currently sponsors teams in nine men's and 12 women's NCAA sanctioned sports.

[4] Howard University announced in July 2020 that it would join the Northeast Conference (NEC) as an associate member in six sports.

[6] In 2022, Howard University signed a 20-year partnership with Nike's Michael Jordan Brand.

It is home to the Howard University Bison football, soccer, track & field, and Women's lacrosse teams.

The marching band's mission is to serve as a Howard ambassador and Bison athletics supporter.