California Baptist University Restructures Lancer Athletics FAQs
CBU will discontinue three Lancer Athletic programs–wrestling, men’s golf, and men’s swim and dive. The change is effective at the conclusion of the 2025-26 competitive season.
CBU has closely monitored the changing landscape of intercollegiate athletics that have affected institutions across the nation. A thoughtful evaluation of CBU’s athletic programs occurred, including consideration of the student-athlete experience across all sports, changes to NCAA rules, investments required to fully fund athletic scholarships, and strategic considerations associated with positioning Lancer Athletics more competitively for the future.
We were hopeful we could continue our existing athletic programs in this new environment, but it has become clear that we cannot maintain our current programs and realize the university's goal of achieving greater competitive excellence that the new Division I era demands. The existing structure of offerings made it increasingly difficult to remain competitive. The decision was made to discontinue three sports in order to offer our remaining student-athletes and teams the best chance to succeed in future competition.
Although no time is ideal for this news, making the decision now provides impacted student-athletes and coaches with the greatest opportunity to consider their next steps. It also allows our student-athletes to enter the transfer portal immediately instead of the conclusion of their season. Making this decision at the conclusion of the season would have given coaches and student-athletes significantly less time to find alternative options.
Approximately 43 student-athletes who will have remaining eligibility after the 2025-26 season, as well as coaches of the affected programs are impacted by this decision.
Affected teams will complete the 2025-26 competitive season. We commit to helping those who are impacted by this decision by offering support, resources, and assistance to determine their next steps, including honoring their athletic financial aid packages should they stay at CBU or assisting with transitions to other universities.
Like our students, our coaches are highly valued members of the Lancer family. CBU is committed to working with impacted coaches on their next steps throughout this transition.
No. CBU’s vice president for Athletics made this decision with the full support of university leadership. Given the current intercollegiate landscape, this decision is necessary to provide remaining student-athletes and teams with the best opportunities moving forward.
A number of factors were considered including community impact, Title IX, the House settlement, and available resources and facilities.
No. While financial implications were among the reasons for this change, other impacts have made it increasingly challenging for CBU to remain competitive under its current structure.
No, these sports will not be considered for club status.