Grounded in self-determination theory , the purpose of this study was to examine (a) the effects of the social environment, as defined by the divisions of the Department of Athletics, on student-athletes' perceptions of basic needs satisfaction, (b) the effects of basic needs satisfaction on well-being, and (c) the effects of time demands, during in-season and off-season, on well-being, among student-athletes at Portland State University (PSU). Participants were student-athletes at PSU (n =

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... . The participants completed a multi-section survey assessing basic needs satisfaction and wellbeing. Cumulative mean scores highlighted the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs as an indicator of positive well-being. The satisfaction of the need for competence emerged as the most important predictor of well-being. In-season time demands may contribute to a lower degree of well-being. The findings suggest that particular aspects of the social environment may be relevant for nurturing the basic psychological needs. The results also emphasize the importance of satisfying the three basic psychological needs in order to create an atmosphere that contributes to positive well-being. ii