Fans cheer on Stanford University at a 2006 home game. | Bfraga, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Fans cheer on Stanford University at a 2006 home game. | Bfraga, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Stanford University sent shockwaves throughout the NCAA when it announced it was dropping 11 varsity sports due to financial problems amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was a harbinger of things to come as other collegiate programs have been cut nationally, although not to the degree of the Cardinal athletic program. When the announcement was made, Stanford was already struggling financially prior to the pandemic, the university reported in a news release. The university projected a $12 million deficit growing exponentially as forecasts indicated a $25 million deficit in fiscal year 2021. That shortfall was expected to grow to $70 million within the next three years making it hard for Stanford stay competitive in the PAC-12 Conference.
Sports to be eliminated at the end of current academic year are men’s and women’s fencing, field hockey, lightweight rowing, men’s rowing, co-ed and women’s sailing, squash, synchronized swimming, men’s volleyball and wrestling. The university indicated the decision to eliminate these sports were based primarily on finances and competitive excellence.
Stanford's support of sports has been unusually high. Universities on average have 18 sports. Stanford’s 36 was the second-most supported by an NCAA university, and many other schools have far larger budgets. Had Stanford continued to field teams in the eliminated sports, it would have needed $200 million in total incremental funding, drawing away from other teams' budgets.
In addition to cutting sports, Stanford made other cost-cutting measures. Those included pay reductions, reducing sports and administrative budgets and staff layoffs which represent 10% of support staff, the news release reported.
Stanford said it will honor its current scholarships and contract commitments.
Meanwhile, fundraising continues through the university’s Buck/Cardinal Club. The Buck Club’s origins date back to 1934. The Cardinal Club was formed in 1977-78 as Title IX began to place a concerted focus on women’s athletics.
Both clubs raise funds for men’s and women’s scholarships for varsity programs. The university website reported program support also includes summer school tuition, travel, housing, recruiting, training table meals and other directives under the purview of the athletic director.
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