University of Houston Athletics Announces Cost Reduction Measures

UPDATED: July 7, 2020 -- 6:15 p.m. CT

The University of Houston Athletics Department announced several cost reduction measures on Tuesday.

The cuts are designed to minimize the impact on the student-athlete experience and lessen the financial burden caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The University of Houston will continue to sponsor its 17 athletics programs.

The following measures apply to the 2021 fiscal year, which begins on Sept. 1:

• A reduction of 7.5% to Houston Athletics' total operating budget for the 2021 fiscal year
• A reduction in 18 Houston Athletics administrative and support staff positions across the department
• Administrative units will reduce their respective budgets by 10% for the 2021 fiscal year
• Sports program's will have a 5% budget reduction for the 2021 fiscal year
• Sports programs are building a more regional non-conference travel schedule, which will limit travel costs
• Staff travel to be reduced for the upcoming year (excludes recruiting)

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"These measures are difficult, especially for those that are impacting our staff," Vice President for Athletics Chris Pezman said. "I want to acknowledge the commitment of those employees who will no longer be with us and thank each of them for their dedicated efforts to our student-athletes.

"Our intent is to limit the impact on the student-athlete experience and maintain our 17 athletics programs. We are hopeful that are our Coog Family will continue to support our student-athletes and teams as we go forward in the days and weeks ahead."

This follows a 10% voluntary pay reduction for Pezman, head football coach Dana Holgorsen and men's basketball head coach Kelvin Sampson that was announced on May 20.

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