Prairie View A&M University has announced it will discontinue both its men’s and women’s tennis programs before the start of the 2025 season, marking the end of an era for the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) institution’s tennis presence.
University officials say the move is part of a broader athletics restructuring effort that focuses on modernizing facilities, aligning with long-term strategic priorities, and ensuring compliance with Title IX. While the athletics department reported $15.37 million in revenue for the 2024 fiscal year, tennis ranked among the most expensive non-revenue sports—costing $119,422 annually, the third-highest after track & field and softball.
Strategic Restructuring and Facility Needs
Prairie View A&M’s athletics leadership explained that the decision was not made lightly, but rising costs and outdated infrastructure contributed to the change. By reallocating resources, the school plans to make significant investments in other sports and overall student-athlete experiences. Officials stressed that the focus is on sustainability and positioning the athletics program for success in the coming years.
“We have to make strategic choices that serve the greatest number of student-athletes while also ensuring we remain competitive in our core sports,” the university stated. “These changes will help us focus on sports that align more closely with our facilities and recruitment strengths.”
Support for Student-Athletes
For current tennis players, Prairie View A&M has committed to honoring all athletic scholarships for those who remain enrolled and in good academic standing. The university also pledged to fully support student-athletes who choose to transfer, providing assistance with both the transfer process and academic advising.
This approach ensures that players are not left without options, whether they wish to continue competing in tennis elsewhere or stay at Prairie View A&M to complete their degrees.
Broader Impact on HBCU Athletics
The announcement comes at a time when college athletics nationwide—especially at HBCUs—are adjusting to a new financial reality following the House v. NCAA settlement. Under the agreement, schools can share up to $20.5 million in revenue with student-athletes. All SWAC institutions, including Prairie View A&M, have opted in.
While the settlement is considered a historic win for players, it also adds financial pressure on athletic departments, particularly for sports that do not generate significant revenue. For many schools, this means taking a closer look at how budgets are allocated across all programs.
The Legacy of Prairie View A&M Tennis
Prairie View A&M’s tennis teams have competed for decades, representing the Panthers in conference play and beyond. While not among the university’s revenue-driving sports, the programs have been home to dedicated athletes who have contributed both on and off the court.
The decision to cut tennis will leave a void in the athletics lineup, but university officials emphasized that they believe the restructuring will ultimately strengthen Prairie View A&M’s competitive standing in its remaining sports.
Looking Ahead
As Prairie View A&M shifts focus, it joins a growing list of institutions—HBCUs and non-HBCUs alike—making tough calls to adapt to the changing economics of college athletics. For now, the Panthers’ legacy in tennis will live on through its alumni and former student-athletes who helped shape the program over the years.
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