Universities cutting sports, others adding ahead of $2.8 billion NCAA antitrust settlement

Universities across the nation are making strategic adjustments to their athletic programs in light of the impending $2.8 billion NCAA antitrust settlement. As institutions brace for the financial impact, some are opting to cut specific sports to streamline budgets. The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has announced the discontinuation of its women's tennis program, while Grand Canyon University will eliminate men's volleyball. Cal Poly, facing the most significant change, will shutter its swimming and diving programs, affecting nearly 60 athletes. Conversely, other universities are capitalizing on the situation by expanding their athletic offerings. These institutions view the settlement as an opportunity to diversify and enhance their sports programs, potentially attracting a broader range of student-athletes and boosting enrollment. The contrasting approaches highlight the varied strategies employed by universities to navigate the financial landscape shaped by the NCAA settlement. The settlement, a result of antitrust litigation, has prompted schools to reevaluate their financial priorities. While some universities cut programs to mitigate costs, others are investing in growth, illustrating the complex decisions faced by athletic departments nationwide. As the NCAA seeks to resolve longstanding legal challenges, the ripple effects of these changes will likely influence collegiate sports for years to come.

— Authored by Next24 Live