Stanford Cuts 11 Varsity Sports Amid Coronavirus Economic Hit

STANFORD, CA — Citing the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis, Stanford on Wednesday announced the elimination of 11 varsity sports programs.

Stanford Athletic Director Bernard Muir made the announcement in an open letter to the campus community that was co-written by Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne and Provost Persis Drell.

The school announced the elimination of its men’s and women’s fencing, field hockey, lightweight rowing, men’s rowing, co-ed and women’s sailing programs.

The cuts go into effect at the conclusion of the 2020-2021 school year, and 20 support staff positions will be eliminated.

“This is heartbreaking news to share,” the letter said.

“These 11 programs consist of more than 240 incredible student-athletes and 22 dedicated coaches. They were built by more than 4,000 alumni whose contributions led to 20 national championships, 27 Olympic medals, and an untold number of academic and professional achievements.

“Each of the individuals associated with these programs will forever have a place in Stanford’s history.”

The sports will be given the opportunity to transition to club status after they conclude their 2020-21 varsity seasons.

The letter said Stanford’s athletics department was operating on a deficit projected to exceed $12 million in the 2021 fiscal year and grow steadily in the following years due to increased operating costs.

The pandemic has exacerbated the department’s financial woes, with a revised forecast accounting for the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis projecting a $25 million deficit for the 2021 fiscal year.

The sports were selected for elimination based on several factors including cost, interest and the local and national interest in the sport, gender equality Title IX impact and impact on the diversity of the school’s student-athlete population.

“Today’s announcement brings the three of us great sadness, though we realize ours is nowhere near the level of pain and disappointment that our student-athletes, parents, alumni and supporters of the impacted sports are experiencing,” the letter said.

“We remain committed to a strong and vibrant varsity athletics program at Stanford, and we are confident that these changes will position Stanford Athletics, and our remaining 25 varsity programs, for sustained excellence and leadership in athletics, academics and education through sport. Our commitment to diversity and gender equity in athletics also remains firmly in place and is supported by this decision.”

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