Courtesy of Kyle Parkinson
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas will discontinue its men’s and women’s tennis programs at the conclusion of the 2026 spring season.
“After considerable reflection and thoughtful discussion, we have made the very difficult decision to discontinue our men’s and women’s tennis programs,” Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek said. “We understand the disappointment and emotion this news will bring to many. 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. Ultimately, we concluded that we are unable to provide the level of support necessary for our tennis programs to consistently compete in the SEC and nationally at the standard our student-athletes, coaches, alumni and supporters deserve. We appreciate the efforts of Coach Udwadia and Coach Clary, along with all of our current and former student-athletes.”
The change follows a recommendation from the Director of Athletics, which was approved by the Chancellor. The UA System President and Board of Trustees were notified of the decision.
Current tennis student-athletes will have their scholarships honored through the completion of their current degree programs if they choose to remain at the University. They will also continue to have access to the support services available:
- Academic Support – academic advisors, learning specialists, study hall and tutors
- Medical and Athletic Training Access – athletic trainers, team physicians and rehabilitation assistance
- Mental Health Services – counseling and mental health support from Arkansas Athletics’ Mental Health & Performance team
- Nutrition Support – fueling, refueling, training table meals and nutritionist support
- Student-Athlete Development – career services and leadership development opportunities
For student-athletes choosing to transfer, the Department of Athletics will assist them throughout the process to ensure they find a new program.
Following this change, the Department of Arkansas Athletics will continue to sponsor 10 women’s sports programs and seven men’s sports programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What options are available for current men’s and women’s tennis student-athletes? Student-athletes have the option to remain at the University of Arkansas as a student and complete their current degree program. If they choose to remain at the University as a student, their scholarships will be honored through the completion of their current degree program.
Current student-athletes will also have the option to enter the transfer portal. The Department of Athletics will assist those student-athletes to ensure they find a new program.
2. What services will be available to the impacted student-athletes? The student-athletes will continue to have access to all support services available:
- Academic Support – academic advisors, learning specialists, study hall and tutors
- Medical and Athletic Training Access – athletic trainers, team physicians and rehabilitation assistance
- Mental Health Services – counseling and mental health support from Arkansas Athletics’ Mental Health & Performance team
- Nutrition Support – fueling, refueling, training table meals and nutritionist support
- Student-Athlete Development – career services and leadership development opportunities
3. What options are available to incoming men’s and women’s tennis student-athletes for the 2026-27 academic year? Incoming student-athletes will have the opportunity to attend the University of Arkansas as students and have their scholarships honored through the completion of their undergraduate degree along with support services provided for all current student-athletes.
Incoming student-athletes will also have the option to be released from their scholarship agreement to pursue other opportunities.
4. Why was this decision made at this time? Change within college athletics is accelerating rapidly, particularly for Power Four programs. College athletics is shifting away from the traditional model to adapt to the post-House settlement environment. As a result, institutions must make deliberate, data‑informed decisions focused on financial sustainability, resource allocation and return on investment.
There is never an ideal time to make and deliver such a decision. After weighing all factors, the Department of Athletics determined this was the least disruptive time for our student-athletes and coaches.
5. How was this decision made and what was the process? As a result of ongoing efforts to adapt to the post-Housesettlement environment and the ongoing expense pressures in college athletics today, the Director of Athletics made a recommendation that was approved by the Chancellor to discontinue the men’s and women’s tennis programs at the conclusion of the spring 2026 season. The UA System President and Board of Trustees were notified of the decision.
6. What factors were considered in deciding to discontinue the tennis programs? The primary factor considered was the level of resources available to allocate to the tennis programs. Ultimately, it was concluded that the Department of Athletics would be unable to provide the level of financial investment necessary for the tennis programs to consistently compete in the SEC and nationally at the standard the student-athletes, coaches, alumni and supporters deserve.
7. What is the current combined budget allocation for the men’s and women’s tennis programs? Approximately $2.5 million annually with increases expected in future years.
8. How will the funds from the tennis programs be reinvested? The funds will be reinvested broadly across the Department of Athletics.
9. Can the tennis programs be continued through fundraising efforts? No, fundraising is not a sustainable option for the long-term operation of the programs.
10. Are there plans to discontinue other sport programs? No, there are no plans to discontinue other sport programs at this time.
