The University of Arkansas has reinstated the men’s and women’s tennis programs effective immediately, the school's department of athletics announced Thursday.
The reinstatement of the programs comes after Arkansas announced April 24 that it was discontinuing both programs.
Related: Saint Louis University, Arkansas Announce Discontinuation of Men's and Women's Tennis
As reported by CBS affiliate KFSM in Fort Smith, former players pledged roughly $5 million over two years — some in increments of $25 a month — as a short-term solution to the programs' budget problems.
“Following extensive analysis and in alignment with our strategic priorities, we made the difficult decision earlier this spring to discontinue our men’s and women’s tennis programs,” director of athletics Hunter Yurachek stated, per the announcement at arkansasrazorbacks.com.
“Since that announcement, we have engaged in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders, including alumni and donors, to explain our rationale and listen to their concerns. We are thankful for our generous donors that have stepped forward in recent days with commitments to provide short-term funding for both programs. While this support does not represent a permanent solution, it offers a viable path forward. Accordingly, I have recommended to Chancellor Robinson that we reinstate both programs effective immediately and allow our head coaches to begin preparations for the 2026–27 season.
“Looking ahead, a significant endowment remains the only feasible long-term solution to ensure the sustainability of our tennis programs. A dedicated group of supporters has committed to pursuing that goal.
“Over the next year, the Department of Athletics and the Razorback Foundation will closely monitor the progress of this endowment effort — ensuring it does not detract from any of our broader fundraising priorities and confirming that significant progress is being made to acquire the necessary funds for the tennis programs’ long-term sustainability past this initial investment.”
