University of Arkansas reinstates tennis programs with donor investment
· Yahoo Sports
FAYETTEVILLE — Three weeks after deciding to cut Arkansas men's and women's tennis, Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek is reversing course thanks to the dedication of program supporters.
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The university announced that it was reinstating both teams on Thursday, May 14. The press release was one sentence before four paragraphs of quotes from Yurachek explaining the reversal.
"We have engaged in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders, including alumni and donors, to explain our rationale and listen to their concerns," Yurachek said. "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."
Yurachek also said that he is recommending to Chancellor Charles Robinson that both programs be reinstated immediately so the head coaches can begin preparations for the 2026-27 seasons.
Arkansas announced April 24 that it was discontinuing both programs. The primary factor considered was the level of resources available to allocate to the tennis programs.
"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," Yurachek said when he previously announced the cuts.
Best of Arkansas Sports previously reported that a group of donors and alumni met with Yurachek earlier this week with $5 million already raised for Razorbacks' tennis. The university is now back to sponsoring 19 sports.
"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," Yurachek said.
Arkansas was heavily criticized for its decision to cut tennis. The department previously approximated an annual budget allocation of $2.5 million on the two tennis programs, with increases expected in future years. The total expenses during the 2025 season were $2,350,667, and the total revenue was $3,284 according to the NCAA Membership Financial Reporting Survey.
That number ranked 14th out of 15 SEC schools, according to Extra Points Library.
Yurachek said that the athletic department and the Razorback Foundation will closely monitor the progress of this endowment effort over the next year. He also said that significant progress is being made to ensure the long-term sustainability of tennis beyond this initial investment.
Jackson Fuller covers Arkansas football, basketball and baseball for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at [email protected] or follow him @jacksonfuller16 on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas athletics reinstates tennis programs three weeks after cuts