NEWS: UT-Dallas Reinstates Cross Country & Track and Field Programs After Initial Elimination, Future Unclear Beyond Next Year

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Days after announcing the discontinuation of their cross country and track and field programs, the University of Texas at Dallas has reversed course. They will now allow both teams to compete during the 2025-26 academic year.

Monday's initial announcement, which came only three weeks before the start of the fall semester, cited “ongoing budget constraints and a lack of on-campus facilities,” as the primary reasons for cutting the men’s and women’s programs. The decision came on the heels of UTD’s recent transition to NCAA Division Two status and their entry into the Lone Star Conference.

Following widespread backlash from the UTD community, the university reversed its decision on Thursday. In a statement sent to student-athletes, UTD President Richard C. Benson confirmed that both programs would be reinstated and eligible to compete during the 2025-26 season.

The reinstatement, however, only specifies one additional year of sponsorship. No commitment has been made beyond the upcoming academic year, leaving significant uncertainty around the long-term viability of both programs.

UTD’s abrupt decision, and even more abrupt reversal, underscores broader challenges facing non-revenue sports in the current collegiate landscape. As athletic departments navigate rising costs, shifting NIL dynamics and resource reallocation, programs with larger rosters and limited revenue potential are becoming increasingly vulnerable.

While the reinstatement offers temporary relief for the Comets, questions remain about whether the programs have sustainable futures as sponsored sports.