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Sonoma State Aims to Reinstate Athletics by 2027
New president Michael Spagna forms financial feasibility team to determine long-term sustainability of Division II sports programs.
Jan. 31, 2026 at 4:47pm
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Sonoma State University's new president, Michael Spagna, announced the creation of a financial feasibility team that will explore how to fund the return of NCAA Division II athletics at the school, with the goal of potentially reinstating sports for the 2027-28 academic year. Spagna said the university will not reinstate athletics unless it can show the programs will be financially sustainable long-term. The team will build on the recommendations of an Athletics Task Force that previously submitted a detailed report on reviving the school's athletic department.
Why it matters
Sonoma State eliminated its 12 NCAA Division II sports programs last year amid budget cuts, leaving many athletes and coaches displaced. The potential return of athletics is seen as crucial for student life and the university's identity, but the school must ensure any revival is fiscally responsible given broader financial challenges in the California State University system.
The details
Spagna announced the creation of a 'financial feasibility team' that will determine how to fund NCAA Division II athletics at Sonoma State for the long term. This new group will build on the work of an Athletics Task Force that previously submitted recommendations, including bringing back 13 sports teams, creating an athletics external relations mechanism for fundraising, and improving facilities. The task force report recommended allocating most of the $8 million in state funds the university received toward facility upgrades.
- Sports will not return to Sonoma State in the 2026-27 school year.
- The financial feasibility team's report on the long-term sustainability of reinstating athletics is expected this summer, with the goal of potentially bringing back NCAA athletics for the 2027-28 school year.
- Sonoma State is still considered an active NCAA Division II member for the 2025-26 school year, but could be placed on probation in 2026-27 if sports do not return.
The players
Michael Spagna
The new president of Sonoma State University who announced the creation of a financial feasibility team to explore reinstating NCAA Division II athletics.
Val Verhunce
A former Sonoma State golf coach who was a member of the university's Athletics Task Force.
Marcus Ziemer
A former Sonoma State men's soccer coach.
What they’re saying
“I'm still hopeful that things are going to come back.”
— Val Verhunce, Former Sonoma State golf coach
“Coming back '26-'27 would have been great for coaches and continuity, but the fact is that it's still alive.”
— Marcus Ziemer, Former Sonoma State men's soccer coach
What’s next
The financial feasibility team's report on the long-term sustainability of reinstating athletics at Sonoma State is expected this summer, with the goal of potentially bringing back NCAA Division II sports for the 2027-28 school year.
The takeaway
Sonoma State's new president is taking a measured approach to reviving the university's athletics programs, prioritizing long-term financial viability over a quick return to competition. This deliberate process aims to ensure any revival of sports is sustainable and does not jeopardize the school's overall fiscal health.
