Fresno State cuts 3 sports from athletics program due to expected loss in revenue

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The coronavirus pandemic has hit Fresno State's athletics program, and with budget space tight, the university announced on Friday it will cut three sports: varsity lacrosse, men's tennis, and wrestling.

While the Fresno State football team will play a shortened season, Fresno State officials said the program is expecting a hard loss in revenue.

"Today's decision is difficult for everyone and yet it is a necessary step to ensure the financial viability of our Athletics Department," University President Dr. Joseph Castro said in a press release on Friday.

Fresno State Athletics said the department is estimating a budget savings of $2.5 million this year to fund their 18 remaining sports teams.

The department said that 70 student-athletes have been impacted by the cuts and those of them who are planning to continue their education at Fresno State will still receive financial assistance this year.

Students who wish to transfer to other colleges to play will be able to, officials added.

The university will also let go of 20 staff members and 27 staff managers due to the loss in revenue at the end of the 2020-21 season, officials said on Friday.

In a statement on Friday, Fresno State Athletic Director Terry Tumey said he was 'incredibly saddened' by the decision but that the reductions made the future of Fresno State athletics more fiscally solvent.

You can read his full statement here.

Catch up on all the week's Fresno State sports news on "Bulldog Breakdown" every Sunday at 5 pm on ABC30.