Title IX and the baseball dilemma

Article here. Excerpt:

'The room for growth in college baseball is undeniable. However, the college market will not mature due to the unfortunate restrictions imposed by Title IX. Title IX was amended in 1972 to create opportunities for women in sports. There are now 15 women’s sports at UNC. It has clearly served its purpose, but it is antiquated and needs reform.

Title IX now does nothing more than squander opportunities by often forcing athletic departments to cut other sports. The financing issues raised by Title IX serve to further generate the win-at-all-costs mentality in college basketball and football by forcing profit maximization in so-called amateur athletics.

One of UNC’s top pitchers, Greg Holt, wrote to me, “I think that Title IX is something that is hindering baseball (from) becoming a potential revenue sport. If a softball player can receive a full scholarship then I feel as if a baseball (player) should be able to receive the same amount.” Holt’s reference to the scholarship allocation is easily explainable.

Football and basketball are needed to fund the other 26 non-revenue varsity sports. Consider the fact that UNC’s women’s basketball team lost $1.86 million two seasons ago. These expenses mean less resources for men’s baseball, fewer scholarships and lower operating budgets.'