Established in 1938, the UAAP started with only four schools, namely UP, UST, NU, and FEU. Since then, it has dynamically expanded to become a full-pledging varsity league with the inclusion of UE and Adamson (1952), Ateneo (1978), and La Salle (1986) as members, competing in 14 disciplines.

SCHOOL	Team Monickers
	Seniors	Womens	Juniors
Adamson University 1952–53, 1970–present	Soaring Falcons	Lady Falcons	Baby Falcons
Ateneo de Manila University 1978–present	Blue Eagles	Lady Eagles	Blue Eaglets
De La Salle University 1986–present	Green Archers	Lady Archers	Junior Archers
Far Eastern University 1938–present	Tamaraws	Lady Tamaraws	Baby Tamaraws
National University 1938-present	Bulldogs	Lady Bulldogs	Bullpops
University of the East 1952-present	Red Warriors	Lady Warriors	Junior Warriors
University of the Philippines 1938–present	Fighting Maroons	Lady Maroons	Junior Maroons
University of Santo Tomas 1938–present	Growling Tigers	Tigresses	Tiger Cubs