Saint Francis University Exits Division I Sports After Star Player Took Six-Figure Deal
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · May 28
Saint Francis University Exits Division I Sports After Star Player Took Six-Figure Deal
1 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · May 28
Saint Francis University is leaving NCAA Division I athletics after wealthier programs poached players from its men’s basketball team, including a standout who accepted a six-figure offer.
Father Malachi Van Tassell said the school could no longer compete in an environment where richer colleges raid smaller rosters, turning Saint Francis into what he called a "farm team for larger conferences."
The move underscores how money flowing through college sports is widening the gap between small schools and major programs, making Division I increasingly difficult to sustain for resource-strapped universities.
With universities now paying players millions, are smaller college athletic programs facing inevitable extinction?
As big-money deals reshape college sports, is the era of the March Madness 'Cinderella' team officially over?