When a college cuts a sport, it can feel like your athletic dreams are slipping through your fingers. Whether you’re a current student-athlete or a high school recruit with your sights set on a specific program, losing a team disrupts your path in a major way.
In this post, we’ll explain what happens when a college cuts a sport, why these decisions are made, how they affect athletes and scholarships, and what your next steps should be as a student-athlete looking to get recruited.
Why Do Colleges Cut Sports Programs and What Colleges Are Cutting sports Programs?
Colleges eliminate sports programs for a variety of reasons, most often driven by budget pressures, compliance regulations, or changing institutional priorities. The reason for cutting programs vary across institutions. For example, Saint Frances (PA) announced in March 2025 that it was transitioning to DIII from DI, citing “transfer portal, pay-for-play, and other shifts that move athletics away from love of the game.“
Other schools, like San Francisco State University at the Division II level cut baseball and men’s soccer in 2025, along with women’s indoor track and field, citing budgetary concerns. Sonoma State eliminated its sports program in an attempt to close its large budget deficit. And in some cases, colleges and universities are closing their doors – according to Deloitte, more than 40 colleges have closed in the United States since 2020.
While it may come as a surprise to many student-athletes, these decisions are usually the result of long-term financial strain or shifting strategies within the athletic department.
Understanding the factors behind these cuts can help athletes prepare for the possibility and protect their future.
Learn more how you can help save roster spots and the benefits increased roster spots can have for a college or university here.
Revenue Sharing and Shifting Landscape of College Sports
A newer concern on the horizon is the impact that revenue sharing could have on college athletics. As discussions grow around compensating student-athletes, especially in major sports like football and basketball, smaller programs may find themselves at risk.
While revenue sharing is still evolving, it’s already prompting athletic departments to reevaluate how many sports they can realistically support.
Financial Pressures and Budget Cuts
College athletics are expensive to operate, and not all sports bring in revenue. While sports like football and men’s basketball can generate millions through ticket sales, media rights, and sponsorships.
When schools face declining enrollment, reduced endowment returns, or broader budget shortfalls, athletics departments are often asked to make cuts, and non-revenue sports are usually the first to go.
For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, over 100 college sports programs were eliminated in 2020 alone due to financial strain.
Low Participation or Campus Engagement
Another reason colleges cut sports is declining interest or participation. If a team struggles to fill its roster year after year, or if recruiting efforts fall flat, schools may determine that it’s no longer worth the investment to maintain the program.
Similarly, if a sport draws little attention from students, alumni, or the local community, it may be seen as expendable compared to more popular offerings.
Facilities and Resource Constraints
Maintaining fields, equipment, coaching staff, and travel budgets takes significant resources. If facilities are outdated or require costly upgrades, and the sport doesn’t justify the expense, schools may opt to cut it rather than reinvest.
This is especially common at smaller colleges and universities with limited fundraising power or athletic endowments.
Athletic Department Strategy Shifts
Sometimes, sport cuts reflect a broader strategy change.
A new athletic director may choose to consolidate resources into fewer, more competitive teams.
Schools may also realign their athletic identity around certain sports that align with their brand or marketability.
These decisions are less about compliance or budget, and more about long-term positioning.
For instance, in 2020, Stanford University cut 11 varsity teams, including fencing, rowing, and wrestling, despite having one of the most successful athletic programs in the country. The university cited financial sustainability and the need to focus resources on fewer programs as key factors.
What Happens to Student-Athletes When a Sport Is Cut?
Having your sport cut can leave you reeling emotionally, academically, and athletically. Here’s what to expect:
Loss of Identity and Support
For many athletes, their sport is a cornerstone of their college experience. Losing that can feel like losing your place on campus.
Questions Around Scholarships and Eligibility
Depending on your athletic division and the timing of the cut, your scholarship may still be honored, or you might need to transfer to continue playing.
What Happens to Current Student-Athletes’ Scholarships If Their Sport Is Cut?
NCAA rules vary, but generally:
- Division I: If your team is eliminated, you can retain your scholarship until graduation, as long as you remain enrolled.
- Division II & III: Rules are similar, but merit-based or partial scholarships may be more flexible depending on institutional policy.
- NAIA & JUCO: Policies vary by school and athletic conference.
It’s essential to connect with your compliance office to confirm your individual circumstances.
Can I Transfer to Another Program?
Yes, and many athletes do. The NCAA Transfer Portal makes it easier to notify other schools of your interest.
Steps to take:
- Speak with your coach and compliance officer.
- Enter your name in the NCAA Transfer Portal (if applicable).
- Start reaching out to coaches at other institutions.
Remember: you’re still a valuable recruit with collegiate playing experience.
Learn more about the transfer portal.
How a College Sport Cut Impacts Future Recruits and What to Do Next
If you’re a high school athlete hoping to join a college team that gets cut, the loss changes your recruiting landscape significantly. If you are impacted, here are some things you can do next:
- Update your target school list. Remove schools that have eliminated your sport.
- Check program stability. Research athletic department announcements and budget decisions.
- Explore more schools. Be open to NAIA, junior college, or less traditional recruiting options.
- Take action. Urge college leaders to expand opportunities for student-athletes: contact decision-makers, spread the word on social media using #AddMoreAthletes, and make an impact.
How NCSA Can Help You Move Forward
Navigating college recruiting is tough, and it’s even tougher when schools start cutting sports. That’s where NCSA’s recruiting experts come in.
Here’s how we help student-athletes:
- Rebuild your college list with stable programs actively recruiting your sport
- Promote your profile to coaches looking for experienced transfers or open recruits
- Advocate for you when you reach out to programs needing athletes fast
Get started today with a free profile.
FAQs
How often do colleges cut sports?
It’s not extremely common, but it does happen. COVID-19 saw a spike in sport cuts, with over 100 programs dropped in 2020 alone. Budget and compliance pressures make some programs more vulnerable than others.
Do I lose eligibility if my sport is cut?
No, your NCAA eligibility remains intact, and you’re allowed to transfer or remain at your current school without losing years of play (depending on participation).
Can a sport come back after being cut?
In rare cases, yes. Alumni donations or public pressure can bring a sport back, but it’s not guaranteed and may take years.
Should I reach out to other coaches if my sport is cut?
Absolutely. Being proactive is key. Coaches may have open roster spots due to transfers or early graduations, and you might be exactly who they’re looking for.
You Still Have a Path Forward
Losing a college sport is heartbreaking, but it’s not the end of your journey.
Whether you’re a current athlete or a recruit, there are real options for continuing your athletic career. By understanding your rights, exploring transfer or new recruiting options, and leaning on trusted resources like NCSA, you can stay on track.
Take the Next Step with NCSA. If your sport has been cut, or you’re worried it might be, don’t wait. Talk with an NCSA recruiting expert today to get a personalized strategy and make sure you’re exploring every opportunity. Start now with a free profile.