WSU having trouble paying for athletic programs

PULLMAN — Washington State University (WSU) and their battle with paying for athletic programs seems to take a new turn after recent voting at an Athletic Department Retreat.

The retreat took place June 9. During the retreat, the Washington State Board of Regents voted to take several actions relating to budget shortfalls, especially in the Athletic Department.

Athletic Director Pat Chun spoke about the budget issues surrounding the University and department, stating that the University is expecting a $11.5 million deficit in the fiscal year of 2023.

This is said to be due to a combination of events, highlighted by the PAC-12 Conference an other shortcomings in terms of athletic revenue. Another issue Chun talked about was departmental expense overruns.

“Ultimately as a leader of our department, I am responsible for what occurs under my watch and I own any of our financial challenges,” Chun said.

The 2022 Fiscal Year was when WSU achieved its first balanced budget in over a decade, coming after extremely challenging years for the department. The department makes fiscal responsibility a key for the department moving forward.

“We will continue to make any and all necessary adjustments and changes,” Chun said.

The Athletic Department has started by putting a halt to any and all sport coach hiring. They also are stopping non-essential travel and purchases, as well as pausing new professional development. The department has also added additional help in checking expenses and purchases.

The Regents have voted to improve budget adjustments, as well as transfers in compliance with state law for fiscal year 2023. They also approved the athletics budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2024.

WSU President Kirk Schulz was also given the authority to sign media rights.

“We made a decision as an institution over a decade ago based on a failed vision,” Chun said, “We do see a pathway forward with what the next TV deal is.”

The unfinished PAC-12 media rights deal is something of concern for WSU and the budget for the Athletic Department, but Schulz hopes it will be resolved by the end of the month.

In WSU’s budget for Fiscal Year 2023 and 2024, it includes $1.4 and $2.4 million in new institutional support, which was approved over a year and a half ago. The source of the revenue is coming from central revenue streams largely interest revenue. It is also of note that no state funds or tuition dollars are being used for the institutional support.

Among questions, comments, and concerns at the retreat, regent members and faculty representatives voiced their opinions and concerns.

Faculty representative Judi McDonald spoke about her concerns for faculty amid cuts being made to departments during which the athletics budget is increasing.

Regent Marty Dickinson said that questions have arisen about the structure of the current athletic budget, and if it will operate in a deficit moving forward, as well as questions about the true source of the institutional support dollars for athletics.

WSU has announced several steps they are taking in regards to getting out of their athletic budget deficit. They have implemented monthly executive oversight meetings, which will include a Faculty Senate and Board of Regents member. The University will also be stabilizing their financial operations, and support and strengthen athletics’ financial management.

The next meeting for the WSU Board of Regents is scheduled to take place September 14 and 15 in Pullman.