The original allied conferences were:[citation needed] The first separate "University Division" basketball tournament was held in March 1957.
[3] While the University Division was initially created as a basis for determining eligibility for the basketball tournament, the concept was extended to college football as well.[when?]
[4] In 1963, the NCAA began holding regional football championships within the College Division.
At that time, 120 of the 419 NCAA football programs were classified as being part of the University Division.
[6] For purposes of football, and unlike basketball, classification into the University Division was not automatic based on conference membership.