COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Multiple sources told NBC4 on Thursday that Ohio State University is eliminating scholarships for its men's gymnastics team.
While the athletic scholarships are being wiped out, the men's gymnastics program will remain in place. Sources did not share details on when the scholarship cuts will go into effect.
Men's gymnastics participation has been in decline for decades. Data from the NCAA shows in 1981, there were 59 Division I men's gymnastics programs. That number has dropped to 12 -- a 79.6% decrease -- in 2024.
Sources told NBC4 they have been worried about this change for a while, because changes are coming in how money is spent in college sports. Under a model of revenue sharing, the NCAA would allow universities to set aside up to $21 million in revenue to share with athletes per year. The cap could rise as revenue does as well, but universities have also said they may have to make tough final decisions impacting other programs.
NBC4 has reached out to OSU for more information, but has not received a response as of 4 p.m. Sources have also told NBC4 that these decisions may not stop with men's gymnastics.
