The financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are being felt by Michigan State University Athletics. So much so, that the university has announced that it will no longer sponsor men’s and women’s swimming and diving as varsity sports after this season.
In a press release sent this afternoon from Michigan State Athletic Director Bill Beekman and university President Samuel Stanley Jr., MSU notes that all scholarship commitments will be honored beyond this year for swimming and diving student-athletes who decide to finish their undergrad degree at MSU. For those wishing to transfer, MSU will help with that transition. The contracts for all coaches will also be honored through June 30th of next year and counseling and mental health services will be provided for any student-athletes who need that assistance.
MSU Athletics is projecting a revenue shortfall in excess of $30M, best-case scenario. Worst-case scenario would be double that figure.
The decision to stop swimming and diving programs at MSU, along with other budget measures, has been done with the intention that other reductions will be necessary.