U Sports chief executive Pierre Arsenault says McGill University’s decision to cut 25 athletics teams after the 2025–26 season is unfortunate.
The university said it reached the decision after an extensive review with both internal and external stakeholders.
Moreover, Arsenault noted that student-athletes balance demanding academic and athletic workloads.
He said the news will be difficult for athletes and coaches who rely on those programs.
Additionally, he said universities often face limited options when confronting structural or financial pressures.
McGill stated that a 2024 audit and a 2025 external review showed the current model was no longer sustainable.
The school said it evaluated all sports using criteria linked to competitiveness, recruitment and resource needs.
Programs cut for 2026–27 include track and field, women’s rugby and men’s volleyball.
The list also includes badminton, baseball, fencing, field hockey, figure skating, golf, lacrosse, logger sports, nordic skiing, sailing, squash and tennis.
Meanwhile, the return of cheerleading and women’s flag football depends on an exemption from the RSEQ.
Athletics Canada and Athlétisme Québec said they were disappointed by the cuts.
They said the loss of McGill’s track and field team affects athlete development across Quebec and Canada.
Furthermore, they noted that McGill is one of only three Canadian schools with an indoor banked track.
They urged the university to reconsider the decision and said they are willing to help find solutions.
Arsenault said U Sports learned of the cuts shortly before they were announced.
He added that such decisions are handled internally and typically involve multiple sectors beyond athletics.
He said preventing similar situations may depend on raising awareness about the impact of university sport.
In addition, he said the visibility of student-athletes can inspire younger athletes to pursue higher-level opportunities.
