Gymnastics is an incredible sport. It demands strength, agility, precision, and artistry — a combination few other sports require. But despite how amazing these athletes are, men’s gymnastics is quietly disappearing from the NCAA landscape.
Right now, there are only 12 Division I men’s gymnastics programs left in the entire country. With numbers that low, being a “top 10” team doesn’t carry the kind of clout it might in bigger sports — but that doesn’t diminish how fierce and talented these athletes are. They push their bodies and minds to the limit every day, embodying dedication and resilience.
And yet, it’s hard for fans to follow them. Most meets aren’t televised or even streamed, making it nearly impossible to support or discover teams unless you’re already deeply plugged in. That lack of visibility only adds to the uphill climb the sport faces — and makes the athletes’ commitment all the more remarkable.
Over the past few decades, the number has steadily declined due to budget cuts and shifting college sports priorities. With financial pressures mounting and non-revenue Olympic sports facing uphill battles, it’s unclear how many of these programs will still be around 10 years from now when we start getting serious about looking at colleges.
I asked ChatGPT to estimate what it would take to start a men’s gymnastics program at my beloved University of Oregon. The costs are eye-opening. Between building or renovating suitable facilities, buying equipment, hiring coaches, providing scholarships, and managing travel and operations — you’re easily looking at several million dollars upfront, and hundreds of thousands annually to keep it running.
So unless Phil Knight decides to do me a personal favor (pretty please Uncle Phil), launching a program there is a tall order.
College gymnastics (for both Mens and Women’s Programs) is facing an uphill battle — but it’s a fight worth fighting. My son doesn’t yet grasp the gravity of it all; to him, it’s pure joy and passion. But as a parent, it’s hard not to think ahead — to wonder what opportunities will still exist by the time he’s old enough to chase this dream. I hope the gymnastics community, colleges, and fans rally to keep this incredible sport alive and thriving for the next generation.
What Would It Really Cost to Start a Men’s Gymnastics Program at University of Oregon?
Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Facilities: $3M to $10M+ (training gym, equipment setup, seating)
- Equipment: $250K to $500K (high-quality apparatus and mats)
- Coaching Staff: $200K+ annually (head coach, assistants, support staff)
- Scholarships: $120K annually (6 full scholarships)
- Travel & Competition: $100K+ annually
- Operations & Administration: $50K–$100K+ annually
Estimated Initial Investment: $3.5M – $11M+
Estimated Annual Operating Costs: $400K – $600K+
The reality is men’s gymnastics programs need significant financial and institutional commitment to survive. That makes every program that still exists all the more valuable — and every young gymnast’s passion all the more inspiring.
If you’ve got experiences or thoughts on gymnastics at the college level (both mens and women’s), or ideas on how to help grow the sport, I’d love to hear them!
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