For the second time in three days, an NCAA Division I school has announced the discontinuation of men's and women's tennis, among the first clear indications of the financial realities athletics administration face in the revenue-sharing era.
On Monday, Saint Louis University announced that it is discontinuing its men's and women's tennis programs, effectively immediately. Last Friday, the University of Arkansas announced it will discontinue its men’s and women’s tennis programs at the conclusion of the 2026 spring season.
"After a thorough and strategic review of our NCAA Division I sport offerings, we have made the difficult decision to discontinue the men's and women's tennis programs," SLU director of athletics Chris May said, per the announcement at slubillikens.com. "The landscape of intercollegiate athletics continues to evolve nationally, and universities are making hard decisions to best position their programs for long-term sustainability and success. This decision is not a reflection of our tennis student-athletes and staff. We are grateful for the contributions of head coach James Tobin, staff members Lizzie Barlow and Emilien Burnel, and all of our men's and women's tennis student-athletes."
The Billikens concluded the 2025-26 season last week at the Atlantic 10 Conference Championships. The programs' combined roster includes 19 student-athletes (10 men, nine women), including five who will graduate this spring.
“After considerable reflection and thoughtful discussion, we have made the very difficult decision to discontinue our men’s and women’s tennis programs,” Arkansas director of athletics Hunter Yurachek said at arkanasrazorbacks.com. “We understand the disappointment and emotion this news will bring to many. The landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, requiring us to make challenging choices as we balance competitive opportunities, resources and the long-term sustainability of our department. Ultimately, we concluded that we are unable to provide the level of support necessary for our tennis programs to consistently compete in the SEC and nationally at the standard our student-athletes, coaches, alumni and supporters deserve. We appreciate the efforts of Coach Udwadia and Coach Clary, along with all of our current and former student-athletes.”
Current tennis student-athletes will have their scholarships honored through the completion of their current degree programs if they choose to remain at the University. They will also continue to have access to the support services available:
- Academic Support – academic advisors, learning specialists, study hall and tutors
- Medical and Athletic Training Access – athletic trainers, team physicians and rehabilitation assistance
- Mental Health Services – counseling and mental health support from Arkansas Athletics’ Mental Health & Performance team
- Nutrition Support – fueling, refueling, training table meals and nutritionist support
- Student-Athlete Development – career services and leadership development opportunities
For Arkansas student-athletes choosing to transfer, the Department of Athletics will assist them throughout the process to ensure they find a new program.
Following this change, the Department of Arkansas Athletics will continue to sponsor 10 women’s sports programs and seven men’s sports programs.
Of the 19 student-athletes currently on the Saint Louis University roster, five will graduate this spring. University personnel will meet with students individually to determine their next steps in regard to their academic and athletic journeys, the SLU announcement statad.
Current student-athletes with eligibility remaining have the option to enter the transfer portal, and the department will assist them in their search for a new program. Even though the transfer portal window for tennis does not begin until May 4, students are permitted to enter the transfer portal immediately due to the discontinuation of sport exception.
Following this change, and assuming SLU has no immediate plans to further alter its programming, the Billikens will compete in six men's and seven women's sports moving forward.
