A Requiem for Sonoma State
Sonoma State University recently announced the elimination of its entire NCAA Division II athletics program, marking the end of an era for student-athletes at the school. This decision, which affects all 11 varsity teams, was driven by significant financial challenges, including a $23.9 million budget deficit and a sharp decline in enrollment over the past decade. While the university has pledged to honor existing scholarships and assist athletes who wish to transfer, the impact of this move is profound—not just for current students, but for alumni and the broader college athletics landscape.
My Time as a Sonoma State Athlete (2005-2009)
For me, this news is deeply personal. From 2005 to 2009, I played baseball for Sonoma State, and it was an experience that shaped my personal and professional growth. Competing at the collegiate level challenged me in ways that extended far beyond the diamond, reinforcing discipline, resilience, and teamwork—traits that became a tremendous supplement to my education. Our baseball program never generated revenue; we didn’t charge for tickets at the gate, there were no major sponsorships, and none of us were making NIL money. But that doesn’t mean the program lacked value. The opportunity to compete at this level provided student-athletes with lifelong skills, friendships, and lessons that went far beyond financial metrics. To see this program shut down is heartbreaking, not only because of the opportunities lost for future student-athletes but because of what it signals about the shifting priorities in higher education.
A Financially Forced Decision
The university's leadership made it clear that this drastic measure was unavoidable given the current financial realities. With enrollment dropping by 38% since 2015, Sonoma State has struggled to maintain financial stability. Athletics, particularly at the Division II level, do not generate the same revenue streams as major Division I programs, making them vulnerable to cuts when budgets tighten. Beyond sports, the school is also cutting six academic departments and laying off dozens of faculty members, further underscoring the severity of the situation.
What This Means for the Future of College Athletics
Sonoma State’s decision is not an isolated case but rather a symptom of a broader trend. Smaller universities across the country are facing mounting financial pressures, and when budget deficits loom, athletics often become a target. College athletics appear to be splitting into two distinct paths. The major power conferences will continue to generate billions of dollars, investing in high-cost sports that will only grow in prestige. Meanwhile, the rest will need to adopt a model closer to Division III, featuring local travel, smaller coaching staffs and salaries, and the elimination of athletic scholarships. Programs will have only a few years to determine which track they can realistically compete on and adjust accordingly—otherwise, they risk ending up like Sonoma State. This raises important questions about the sustainability of college sports, particularly for schools that do not have the financial backing of television contracts and lucrative sponsorship deals. If more institutions follow Sonoma State’s path, we may see a fundamental shift in the structure of collegiate athletics, with fewer opportunities for student-athletes who want to compete at the collegiate level while earning their degrees.
Moving Forward
The end of Sonoma State’s athletics program is a loss not just for current athletes but for alumni and the larger community that supported these teams. This decision underscores a growing divide in college sports—one where power conferences will continue to grow in revenue and influence, while smaller programs face existential threats. Schools that fail to recognize and adapt to this new reality will struggle to sustain their athletic departments. As universities continue to navigate financial instability, student-athletes must not become collateral damage in budget decisions. This moment serves as a wake-up call to reimagine how collegiate sports are structured, urging institutions to adopt sustainable models that preserve opportunities for student-athletes while ensuring financial viability.
