The Utah Board of Higher Education today released the following statement on the University of Utah’s announcement on athletics:

“The Utah Board of Higher Education recognizes that the collegiate athletics landscape has changed significantly in recent years, with conference realignment, rapidly escalating NIL expenses, a disrupted media environment, and rising operational costs. These pressures have made the traditional funding model untenable for many institutions. The University of Utah’s new financing model provides a forward-looking way to stabilize its athletics budget, generate private investment, and strengthen long-term competitiveness while ensuring that costs are not shifted to students or taxpayers. As the financial structure of college athletics continues to evolve, the Board will work with all USHE institutions to evaluate suitable approaches that protect institutional missions and maintain student affordability.”