University of Arizona May Cut Athletic Programs Amid ‘Financial Crisis’: Report

Arizona might be forced to eliminate numerous athletic programs as part of imminent "draconian cuts" at the university, according to the Arizona Daily Star.

The university is amid something of a "financial crisis," due to a $240 million budget miscalculation and investments in financial aid and research per U of A's chief financial officer, Lisa Rulney.

Arizona has 23 athletic teams. Next year, it will join the Big 12 Conference, whose schools average 17 teams. University president Robert Robbins said cutting sports is a strong possibility.

"Everything is on the table in terms of dealing with athletics," he said at U of A's monthly faculty senate meeting, via the Star. "This is an issue that is going to require a lot of tough decisions."

Arizona's football team (6-3) is currently ranked No. 23 in the country, while the men's basketball team advanced to the Sweet 16 in 2022.

U of A's athletic department's budget is about $100 million; $40 million from the Pac-12 Conference, $30 million from ticket sales (mostly football and men's basketball), and about $30 million from philanthropy and contracts, according to the Star.

The outlet also reported the university made a $55 million loan to the athletic department when the pandemic temporarily shut down sports, and said loan has "not been paid back fast enough."

The university expects to release a plan for dealing with the "financial crisis" by mid-December.