The NCAA manages the daily operations of the NLI program while the Collegiate Commissioners Association (CCA) provides governance oversight of the program. Started in 1964 with seven conferences and eight independent institutions, the program now includes 650 Division I and Division II participating institutions.
The NLI is a voluntary program with regard to both institutions and student-athletes.
No prospective student-athlete or parent is required to sign the NLI and no institution is required to join the program.