The Univ. of Washington for FY '21 is "projecting its total athletics revenue to be $131,197,000" -- more than $7M less than the athletics department projected prior to the coronavirus pandemic, according to Mike Vorel of the SEATTLE TIMES. That difference is "due in part to a 10-12% drop ($4.4 million) in anticipated gate revenue, because of 'fan discomfort/economic downturn.'" UW AD Jen Cohen and CFO Kate Cullen also expect $2.5M "less in athletics department contributions." The return of 29 fifth-year seniors whose '20 spring competitions were canceled "will cost $700,000 in scholarship expenses and $350,000 in sport operating expenses." All things considered, Cohen and Cullen's "proposed budget projects a FY21 deficit of $9,912,000 without cost-saving measures and 'deficit mitigation plans.'" The implementation of said plans "would shrink the projected deficit to a more manageable $1,602,696." While FY '21 is "understandably the foremost concern," the coronavirus pandemic also had a "significant effect on UW's 2019-20 financial picture (FY20 runs through June 30)." Prior to the virus' arrival in the U.S., the athletics department "projected a year-end surplus of $827,000," but it now "projects a deficit of $548,000" (SEATTLE TIMES, 5/15).
