NCAA Men's Gymnastics Sustainability
With the NCAA landscape rapidly evolving, the CGA is providing an update on the many changes, the current status and sustainability of our programs, and the New Program Initiative efforts.
As the landscape evolves, we must as well. There is reason to believe our community can navigate these changes and become stronger for years to come. With that said, we do not intend to create a false sense of security, but instead provide a sense of hope and purpose. With strategy, focused efforts and community support, the next generation can enjoy a stronger NCAA Men’s Gymnastics contingent.
Changes in the NCAA Landscape:
NCAA Landscape: The Knight Commission is the gold standard of information, resources, and thought leadership concerning NCAA athletics. To get a better picture of the current NCAA landscape as it pertains to NCAA mens’ gymnastics we’ve provided Knight commission research and initiatives that impact the sport we all love so much.
Knight Commission Brief on the House v NCAA Settlement:
The House settlement only legally applies to the Division I institutions that are named in the lawsuit – the SEC, ACC, Big 10, Big 12, and Pac-12 are the defendant conferences. All other Division I institutions can choose to opt in or out of the settlement. The settlement marks a significant shift in the NCAAs amateurism model. There are two components of the settlement, one looking backwards, one looking forwards. With the settlement, the NCAA has agreed to pay roughly $2.8 billion in backpay to student-athletes dating back to 2016. Looking forward, the settlement sets a precedent for direct revenue sharing between schools and athletes. The case also implements specific roster limits for each sport and uncaps scholarship limits. Although each school can determine a lower roster limit, the settlement would limit Division I rosters for Men’s Gymnastics to be no greater than 20 – this is required of the defendant conference institutions and any institution that opts in.
If the settlement receives final approval (April 7th, 2025), athletic department budgets may need to evolve as budgets may need to be reconstructed to account for revenue sharing with the athletes. Overall sport specific budgets will face potential reductions in order to account for revenue sharing. This could impact roster sizes, salaries, or scholarships.
Name, Image, and Likeness policies have been a hot topic in NCAA athletics for the last half decade, and this essentially eliminates barriers to student athletes ability to capitalize on their right to publicity. NCAA institutions that opt into the settlement will be able to provide direct NIL deals and facilitate NIL deals with third parties for their athletes with the requirement that athletes receiving over $600 annually through NIL deals will need to report those earnings.
Our thoughts:
Revenue sport student athletes will see the most gain from this and Olympic Sports will likely see the most contraction. Contraction is better than elimination. Men’s Gymnastics will need to continue to evolve and the business model around each program will be more critical than ever before. This settlement aims to avoid further antitrust litigation against the NCAA and the defendants that would result in dramatically larger financial fallouts. As harsh as this appears, it is widely seen as a course correction that avoids complete fallout. While we have seen a number of Athletic Directors openly commit to maintaining all of their sports and maintaining scholarships, NCAA athletics as a whole will need to recalibrate and find the new norm. As a sport, we will work to maintain our footprint and foundation while also looking for areas of growth.
Knight Commission Resources on Name, Image and Likeness:
Our thoughts:
Name, Image and Likeness has been a positive development that allows for greater connectivity between the student-athletes and the community at large. Not only does Name Image and Likeness provide additional opportunities for student athletes create financial opportunities for themselves but it allows for industry leaders to partner with Student-Athletes to form powerful partnerships that can help grow our sport.
The Future of NCAA Men’s Gymnastics
Despite the challenges facing the NCAA landscape and more specifically NCAA men’s gymnastics, the Collegiate Gymnastics Association (CGA) sees this period of uncertainty as an opportunity for evolution and growth that can re-established sustainability. With strong support from athletic directors, committed coaches, and passionate fans, the sport can see a brighter future. Contributions to the CGA and team endowments across the country play a crucial role in keeping men’s gymnastics alive and expanding.
Investments and Commitments Strengthen the Sport
Penn State University:
Head Coach Randy Jepson on Penn State's commitment to Men’s Gymnastics: “I am pleased to state that our Athletic Director Pat Kraft is very much committed to seeing each of our 31 sport teams here at Penn State not only provide the best in collegiate athletic experiences for each of our student-athletes, but he is also committed to winning championships. He understands the rich history of success of our Men’s Gymnastics program which boasts 12 NCAA Team Championships, 56 Individual NCAA Titles, 22 Olympians, and three Olympic Bronze Medals. Our seven Nissen-Emery Award winners are a testament as well to the high standard that is expected at Penn State and our athletic leadership is committed to providing the necessary support to continue and even exceed these standards.”
Ohio State University:
Ohio State faced rumors over the summer regarding scholarship reductions, but the school quickly reaffirmed its dedication to all its athletic programs with the launch of Project 36. This initiative ensures full funding and sponsorship for all 36 varsity sports, including men’s gymnastics. Ohio State President Ted Carter reinforced this vision: “We have over 1,000 student-athletes. It’s important for our Olympic sports that we do this… We will remain financially self-sufficient.”
Springfield College:
Springfield College, home to one of the oldest men’s gymnastics programs in the country (established in 1904), continues to thrive thanks to robust support from administration, alumni, and the broader gymnastics community. Head Coach Matt Davis emphasized the strength of this backing: “The support we continue to get… is a reason we continue to thrive. This foundation allows us to emphasize gymnastics excellence, academic success, and our school’s Humanics philosophy in all we do.”
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign:
Illinois was facing a reduction in scholarships but has since received support from their Athletic Director. Head Coach Daniel Ribeiro on his program: “Administration has told us that Illinois Men’s Gymnastics is SAFE! Not only have we been given the okay but all scholarships have been returned to the program so expect a BIG recruiting year for the Illini in 2025!”
University of Michigan:
Michigan Athletics Director Warde Manuel discusses sustainability on the Conqu'ring Heroes podcast: “We're not reducing any sport lower than where they are now by the NCAA rules and so we're not cutting any sports, for me, the goal is that we will continue to work to support our student-athletes in our programs to win, to support them at a championship level, Big Ten and national.”
University of Nebraska-Lincoln:
Nebraska has also made significant investments inGymnastics with a $14 million facility in 2020. More recently, Athletic Director Troy Dannen has made it clear that no sports or scholarships are on the chopping block. “The only thing that’s absolute that I’ve told our coaches is we’re not cutting scholarships and we’re not cutting sports,” Dannen stated. This unwavering support is invaluable to maintaining the proud legacy of Husker gymnastics.
University of Oklahoma:
One of the most significant signs of this support came last year when Oklahoma’s athletic director approved a $12 million renovation and expansion of the historic Sam Viersen Center, solidifying the university’s commitment to gymnastics for the future.
United States Naval Academy:
Head Coach, Kip Simons on the support from his athletics department: “I am thrilled with the level of support from our athletic department here at The United States Naval Academy. Members of our team enjoy the benefits of the many resources we have available to our athletes such as a fully funded program, 3 coaches, sports psychologists, athletic trainers, team Doctor, academic tutors, strength and conditioning coach, dietitian and a large roster size.
We are excited to move into our new exclusive men's gymnastics facility in the fall of 2025 after a 3 year 50 million dollar renovation to Macdonough Hall. Our new gym is a strong sign of the commitment our athletic department is making to the future of men's gymnastics at The Naval Academy.”
Endowments and Fundraising Ensure Sustainability
Army West Point:
For almost two decades, Army Gymnastics has set the bar in terms of fundraising and sustainability. “Army Gymnastics had the foresight to establish an endowment fund campaign in 2006. Through the extensive efforts of an incredible alumni support network our endowment currently sits at just over $5 million.” said Head Coach JD Reive. JD went on to add, “The success of our network combined with an unmatched level of engagement allows Army Gymnastics to exists at an enviable level that I am proud to steward. While our annual efforts perpetuate, we are in the initial planning stages of reinvigorating our endowment contributions in conjunction with our upcoming centennial anniversary in 2026.
In addition to ongoing endowment efforts Army West Point Athletics Giving Day was recently established as an annual effort to bolster general program operations, support budgets and provide an opportunity for special projects. We successfully yielded a 500% increase in donations from the previous year; a benchmark that we expect to continue to capitalize on as we refine our ability to target communications and highlight the impact of support.
All of our efforts have great support through our Athletic Department, West Point and the newly established local gymnastics community as our sport epitomizes the attention to detail, diligence and character building values inherent to the development of great gymnasts and leaders of character.
It is an exciting time at West Point as the program is modernizing our operations to not only prepare for the changing landscape, but create a professional, sustainable environment that brings significant value to our Cadet-athlete experience while highlighting one of the greatest sports in the world.”
Michigan:
At Michigan, legendary former head coach Kurt Golder made a substantial contribution to the program’s endowment, now called the Kurt Golder Legacy Fund. This initiative aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of Michigan men’s gymnastics. Current head coach Xiao Yuan explained, “Kurt may have retired, but he continues to strengthen the program by promoting our endowment and connecting with potential donors. This effort will be a major topic during the NCAA reunion, encouraging other programs to enhance their fundraising.”
William & Mary:
“William & Mary Men's Gymnastics has long made sustainability a key focus of the program.” said Head Coach Mike Powell. He continued, “We have generations of successful alumni who not only received a world-class education, but were deeply impacted by their time on the team and want to pay the opportunity forward. Each year, nearly 70% of our alumni give back to the team to help provide the opportunity for the next generation.
Over the years, our alumni, parents, and friends have established endowments and given to annual funds. (Of course, you can support William & Mary Gymnastics, too.) They have also assisted with revenue-generating camps, clinics, and gameday enhancements.
Just as critical are the team's strong partnerships in the community, including a decades-long relationship with Williamsburg Gymnastics, a junior club in a nearby, custom-built facility where we train. And great partnerships on campus, including Women's Gymnastics, W&M Club Gymnastics, other varsity teams, etc.
Of course, we have the strong support of our Athletic Department and enjoy all the trappings of Division 1 athletics - athletic trainers, strength coaches, weight room, media services, academic support, gameday in the arena, etc. But we have also built strong partnerships that both enhance the program and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the team.
Finally, like many of our colleagues around the country, William & Mary Gymnastics staff understand that it is not enough to look after our own program. Our coaches are active participants with the College Gymnastics Association, the NCAA Committee, USA Gymnastics, the USOPC, and other partners working to grow the sport and increase opportunities.”
The Broader Impact of NCAA Gymnastics
Stanford:
Stanford Head Coach Thom Glielmi highlights the significance of collegiate gymnastics, not just for the sport but for the broader community. NCAA men’s gymnastics provides a critical pathway for gymnasts at all levels, from beginners to Olympic medalists. University programs serve as a gateway, offering training, mentorship, and the opportunity to develop skills that extend far beyond the gym.
Gymnastics is widely regarded as one of the most foundational sports, cultivating strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, agility, endurance, discipline, and leadership. These qualities shape well-rounded individuals who excel in any sport and carry invaluable life skills into their careers and communities. Even for those who don’t pursue gymnastics long-term, the confidence, resilience, and joy of movement stay with them for a lifetime.
New Programs Prove Growth is Possible
Greenville University:
The addition of new gymnastics programs demonstrates that expansion is not just possible—it’s happening. Greenville University, one of the newest programs, is a shining example of how men’s gymnastics can successfully be integrated into a college sports landscape. Head Coach Zach Peters shared Greenville’s remarkable progress: “Our school initially hoped for 30 athletes by year two. Last year, we had 47 athletes and a successful Club Program in addition. Our administration is thrilled and looking for ways to help us grow even more.”
Simpson College:
Simpson College, another new program established the same year as Greenville has also flourished beyond expectations. Head Coach Colin Payne provided this statement about their significant contribution to Simpson College: “Simpson gymnastics has grown beyond all expectations over the last three years. I am reminded by my Athletic Director that these programs had a goal at inception of hosting 45-50 athletes between men’s and women’s in year four. In year two we had 49 athletes. We host competitions regularly bringing in 200-500 fans. We have generated multiple media and outreach opportunities that Simpson did not have previously. The gymnastics program has quickly become an asset to Simpson and a staple in the community driving revenue and engagement. We are very excited to be able to bring the ECAC conference championship to Iowa in this our third year as a program.”
The success of Greenville and Simpson serves as a proof of concept for expanding men’s gymnastics to other universities. This model shows how the sport can be a strong addition to collegiate athletic programs, and universities holistically.
USA Gymnastics and The Pictor Group:
In 2021 USA Gymnastics partnered with The Pictor Group to sustain and grow NCAA Men’s Gymnastics. This partnership was and continues to be a success. Both Greenville University and Simpson College are a result of that partnership. Now with efforts integrating into the College Gymnastics Association, strategies and structure have been established to continue growth efforts for years to come.
Current efforts are targeting enrollment driven institutions where gymnastics can make an immediate impact. For enrollment driven institutions, gymnastics is a strong option. Gymnastics boasts strong retention rates, high academic standards and a strong recruiting pool relative to collegiate opportunities. Men’s Gymnastics can be implemented and see strong success in a short timeframe leading to a quick return on investment. There are ongoing discussions with multiple universities, including one university that fits the “hot lead” label. This university is looking to add sports and gymnastics is one sport being considered.
Investing in the Future
To ensure the continued success and accessibility of men’s gymnastics, we need ongoing support. Gymnastics isn’t just about competition—it’s about developing strong, capable, and confident young people who go on to make meaningful contributions to society. Investing in gymnastics is investing in the future.
While the NCAA landscape is rapidly evolving, we have established partnerships paired with strategy and structure that can lead to a brighter future. With the momentum of new programs and the efforts from USA Gymnastics, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, The Pictor Group and the College Gymnastics Association there has never been a more promising movement towards growth and sustainability of NCAA Men’s Gymnastics.
Support the Sport!
If you believe in the importance of preserving and expanding NCAA men’s gymnastics, consider contributing to the College Gymnastics Association or one of the many team endowments that keep the sport alive. Every donation helps ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience the life-changing benefits of NCAA Men’s Gymnastics.