​Exciting news for all triathletes! Our exclusive Cal Tri Kit Store is now open, offering a premium selection of Varlo triathlon gear tailored to elevate your performance and style. Act fast—this limited-time store closes on May 6, 2025!​

Don’t miss this opportunity to gear up with top-quality Varlo apparel designed specifically for Cal Tri athletes.

Visit Cal Tri Kit Store Today!

Featured Products

Men’s Mezza Sleeved Triathlon Suit
Experience unparalleled comfort and aerodynamics with this sleek design.

Women’s Mezza Sleeved Triathlon Suit
Engineered for performance, this suit offers a perfect blend of flexibility and support.​

Men’s Zipper Triathlon Top
Stay cool and efficient with this lightweight, breathable top featuring a convenient front zipper.​

Women’s Zipper Triathlon Top
Designed for optimal ventilation and ease, this top ensures you stay comfortable throughout your race.

Men’s Triathlon Shorts
These shorts provide excellent support and freedom of movement, essential for peak performance.​

Women’s Triathlon Shorts
Combining comfort and durability, these shorts are a must-have for any triathlete.​

Ordering Details

• Store Closing Date: May 6, 2025​

• Estimated Delivery: Approximately 4-5 weeks after the store closes

Visit Cal Tri Kit Store Today!

Last Sunday marked an exciting milestone as the 2025 Athletica Cal Tri Austin at Decker Lake officially kicked off the triathlon and multisport season in Texas! The air was buzzing with the energy of nearly 500 athletes and their enthusiastic supporters, and we at SBR Fun Events were incredibly grateful to be a part of such a dynamic event.

More than just a race, this season opener was a testament to the shared vision and passion between SBR Fun Events and our fantastic partners at Cal Tri Events – a partnership built on a foundation of collaboration and a shared altruistic mission.

For us at SBR Fun Events, fostering opportunities for women in endurance sports has been a core focus. Since 2021 (with the exception of 2024), we’ve proudly hosted our own women-only duathlon events, the PinkStrong Duathlon. Typically held just 1-2 weeks apart from Cal Tri Austin in early March, our event provided a supportive and empowering environment for women to experience the thrill of multisport.

This year, driven by a sense of collaboration and our altruistic mission to expand opportunities for athletes, we were thrilled by the invitation from Cal Tri Events to bring our PinkStrong Duathlon into their larger event. Imagine it as a “race within a race” or a special wave designed specifically for our participants within the broader Cal Tri Austin framework. 

This offered our athletes the chance to be part of a significantly larger event, experiencing a new venue and course alongside a vibrant community of multisport enthusiasts. We were also incredibly grateful that Cal Tri Events pledged to donate 100% of our race revenue back to SBR Fun Events, directly supporting our ongoing work of building and servicing the Austin Triathlon Community.

Of course, combining events required flexibility and a true spirit of teamwork. One notable difference was that Cal Tri’s standard run-bike-run event features double the run distance of our traditional PinkStrong Duathlon. 

Demonstrating incredible compromise and a team-level of planning and execution, Cal Tri Events was willing to accommodate our familiar run distances, provided we could align our bike route with the course being used by all other athletes. This willingness to try, bend, peel, give, take, and fill on both sides – even when neither of us knew exactly what to expect – truly exemplified the collaborative spirit of this partnership. 

Our ladies participating in the PinkStrong Duathlon enthusiastically embraced the new venue, the new course, and the opportunity to be part of something much larger and rise to the challenge of what bike course was hilly with a capital H!

Our experience working alongside the Cal Tri Events team provided first hand insight into what makes their events so special, always keeping the athletes’ best interests in mind:

• A Focus on Value: We witnessed how Cal Tri Events prioritizes affordability without compromising the quality of the race experience. This commitment ensures that more individuals have the opportunity to participate and discover the joys of multisport.

• Putting Athletes First – Even Before Race Day: Their commitment to athletes was evident even before the starting gun. The free swim and transition clinic offered the day before the race was a fantastic resource, providing valuable guidance and building confidence for participants of all levels. This proactive approach truly underscores their dedication to athlete success and enjoyment.

• Athlete-Centric Flexibility: The flexibility of free race transfers, deferrals, and participant swaps, even at the last minute, showcased their understanding of the realities of training and life – a level of consideration that is deeply appreciated by participants and speaks volumes about their athlete-first philosophy.

• Championing Inclusion and Choice: We were particularly impressed by the diverse range of race options available at Cal Tri Austin. From Swim-Bike and Aquabike divisions catering to those who might find running challenging, to the classic Sprint Triathlon and our empowering PinkStrong Duathlon, Cal Tri Events created a space where athletes of all abilities and preferences could find their perfect challenge.

• Athlete Support and Development: This year’s event also marked an exciting partnership with Athletica, the title sponsor and an innovative online AI coaching platform. Demonstrating a true commitment to athlete development, Cal Tri Events and Athletica provided all race participants with 30 days of free coaching enrollment. This app-based platform offers personalized and adaptive training plans based on individual fitness levels and activity, providing invaluable support and guidance to athletes as they pursue their multisport goals. This forward-thinking initiative further highlights Cal Tri Events’ dedication to providing added value and empowering their participants.

The athlete energy on race day was infectious. It was incredible to see athletes from 30 U.S. states and five countries, spanning an impressive age range of 7 to 83, come together to compete across 19 different race formats. The sheer diversity of participants underscored the universal appeal of multisport. 

Moments like watching a determined 7-year-old complete their first sprint triathlon alongside their proud parent, or an entire family of five celebrating their finish line achievements, were deeply moving and highlighted the positive impact of events like these.

By the smiles and enthusiastic fist bumps at the finish line and even before the race, it was clear that athletes deeply appreciated all the hard work Cal Tri Events put into creating a top-notch experience. This included a new and efficient transition layout, thoughtful touches like carpet for tender feet in transition, convenient bathrooms strategically placed on the course, dedicated in-water safety patrol and kayakers ensuring swimmer well-being, comprehensive full traffic control along the bike course for rider safety, and the unwavering support of a mega team of volunteers. It was evident that Cal Tri Events hit all the high marks by which to measure a successful event. And most importantly, all athletes went home safe, ready to celebrate their accomplishments.

A special nod must also go to MJ and the entire Athletica crew, whose enthusiastic presence and support along the transition area and run course undoubtedly fueled the athletes’ determination with high-fives and motivating fist pumps. And of course, the tireless efforts of the volunteers, team captains, emergency personnel, and SBR board members were instrumental in creating a seamless and memorable race day for everyone.

Our experience working with Cal Tri Events on the Athletica Cal Tri Austin season opener has left us feeling energized and optimistic about the future of triathlon and the power of collaboration within our community.  To be transparent there were a few hiccups and waypoint finding moments as with any new adventure journey into the unknown and akin to being on a first date. 

Their commitment to accessibility, athlete well-being, and fostering a vibrant community, now amplified by their innovative partnership with Athletica and their meticulous event execution, aligns perfectly with our own values at SBR Fun Events. This event wasn’t just a race; it was a beautiful example of how organizations can come together, embrace flexibility, and ultimately provide a richer and more diverse experience for all athletes.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Cal Tri Events for their leadership, for their collaborative spirit, for inviting us to bring our PinkStrong Duathlon into their event, and for their incredible generosity in pledging 100% of our race revenue back to SBR Fun Events. 

We look forward to future collaborations and continuing to work together to make triathlon accessible, enjoyable, safe, and now even more supported through resources like Athletica ai coaching, for all!

The triathlon landscape is changing and we are glad we are helping to paint the big picture.

45% First-Timers! How SBR Fun Events & Cal Tri Austin Are Growing the Sport Together

Kicking Off the Season with Collaboration & Community

Last Sunday’s Athletica Cal Tri Austin at Decker Lake wasn’t just the start of Texas’ multisport season—it was a celebration of new beginnings, community, and collaboration. At SBR Fun Events, we were proud to partner with Cal Tri Events to bring our PinkStrong Duathlon into their season opener, creating a unique “race within a race” experience.

But what stood out the most? Nearly 45% of participants were first-timers, tackling their very first triathlon or multisport event. That’s what SBR Fun Events and Cal Tri Events are all about—getting more athletes to the start line, breaking down barriers, and making multisport accessible to everyone.

A Shared Vision for Growing Multisport

For years, SBR Fun Events has championed women in endurance sports through our PinkStrong Duathlon, traditionally held around the same time as Cal Tri Austin. This year, we saw an exciting opportunity—what if race directors worked together, shared resources, and elevated the athlete experience?

That idea led to a groundbreaking collaboration, with Cal Tri inviting us to host PinkStrong as a special wave within their event. This gave our athletes a chance to experience a larger race atmosphere and a new course, while Cal Tri went above and beyond by donating 100% of our PinkStrong Duathlon revenue back to SBR Fun Events—a generous commitment to supporting our work in the Austin triathlon community.

Making It Work: The Power of Collaboration

Merging our events required flexibility and creative problem-solving. Cal Tri Austin’s standard race distances didn’t perfectly match PinkStrong’s format, but their team worked with us to find solutions that honored our event while integrating seamlessly into theirs. This athlete-first approach was key to making it all come together.

Through this collaboration, we saw firsthand what makes Cal Tri Austin stand out:

✅ Exceptional Value – Keeping races affordable without sacrificing quality.
✅ Athlete-First Approach – Offering a pre-race swim/transition clinic, along with flexible transfer & deferral policies.
✅ True Inclusion – With 19 race formats (including PinkStrong!), athletes of all abilities found their perfect challenge.
✅ Commitment to Development – Every participant received 30 days of free AI coaching from Athletica, an incredible training resource.

An Unforgettable Race Day

With nearly 500 athletes, ages 7 to 83, representing 30 states and five countries, the energy on race day was undeniable. Whether it was a 7-year-old crossing the finish line of his first sprint triathlon with his dad or a family of five each taking on different race formats, the event proved that multisport is truly for everyone.

Our PinkStrong women’s squad tackled the hilly bike course with grit and determination, supporting each other every step of the way. The fist bumps, high-fives, and finish-line smiles showed that this was more than just a race—it was a celebration of endurance, empowerment, and community.

Looking Ahead—Building the Future of Multisport

Like any new partnership, there were learning moments and unexpected challenges along the way. But at the heart of it all, the athletes showed up, pushed their limits, and proved why growing multisport participation is so important.

We’re grateful for the experience and proud of the community, camaraderie, and opportunities this event created. From first-timers gaining confidence to seasoned racers taking on new challenges, this event was about the athletes—and that’s what truly matters.

A huge thank you to Cal Tri Events for opening the door to new possibilities and to Athletica for bringing the energy and coaching support. 🚴‍♀️🏊‍♂️🏃‍♀️ Here’s to more partnerships, more growth, and more incredible race experiences ahead!

In 2024, the Spudman Triathlon’s 2,400 spots sold out in a record 10 minutes. This year the organizers moved to a lottery system,  and they received 3,300 entries for the 2,400 places. Founded in 1987 and taking place on the last Saturday in July, Spudman Triathlon is lovingly produced by the Burley Lions Club; and it includes both a river-assisted downstream sprint and an olympic distance. The 2026 event will be their 40th anniversary. One Spudman feature is the “Family and Friends” wave to accommodate athletes who want to participate without competing for podium awards. 

We caught up with 80 years young race cofounder Scott Bloxham and current race director Carl B. Darrington to learn more about Spudman’s secrets of success. Scott will race Spudman for the final time this year. From the first race in 1987- which attracted 189 athletes, Scott and his co-founder Ron Ploeger, have focused on creating a great family experience. The race has grown with those families and their participation over performance emphasis, while also welcoming elite athletes. After a couple years of trial and error, the race became sustainable, and is now known as a multisport juggernaut. Their success has enabled them to contribute significantly to the local community.  In 2024 Spudman donated $43,000 to local organizations who supported the race in some way. And their volunteer involvement is legendary, including residents like Sandy Baker.  For over three decades she has dedicated eight months each year to handcraft the much sought- after ceramic spuds trophies,  molding, coloring, firing, glazing, and painting each one.

When the 2025 Ironman 70.3 Boise race was relaunched last September, the race moved from its traditional second weekend of June date to the last Saturday in July; Spudman race weekend. Ironman 70.3 Boise is scheduled to return after a decade-long hiatus since 2015 when 878 athletes crossed the finish line. Based on this year’s registrations, Spudman’s position as a premium fast course race with a loyal athlete community has seemingly made it immune from even the world’s most popular triathlon brand. We see you Spudman!

About Burley Lions Club.  The Burley Lions Club is the sponsor of the Spudman Triathlon. The Burley Lions Club was founded in 1938 and has been working to enhance our community through service ever since. In an effort to find a fundraiser to provide funds to support for the community, the Spudman Triathlon was born in 1987. This race has grown from a few hundred racers in the beginning years to now over 2,400 participants. Spudman is always the last Saturday in July and is truly a community event with support from hundreds of volunteers. We are a 100% volunteer organized race and all proceeds go back into the local community.

About Cal Tri Events. Cal Tri Events is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest national short-course triathlon series in the U.S. Their mission is to provide safe, affordable, and accessible triathlon experiences that make a difference in the communities they serve. The Cal Tri Events difference includes $85 all-in early bird pricing, free pre race swim clinics, and the best 15 words in triathlon; Free race transfers, deferrals & participant transfers as late as the day before the race. Learn more at www.californiatriathlon.org.

Annually hosting 1800 participants, the Door County Triathlon has been welcoming athletes to Egg Harbor, Wisconsin since 2005.  The race offers a beginner friendly sprint distance on Saturday morning, the Mark Ernst Memorial Kids Triathlon on Saturday afternoon and a more competitive 70.3 mile effort on Sunday. In 2024 Door County’s signature event, the 70.3 mile distance, was the largest non-Ironman 70.3 mile race in the U.S. (497 finishers) ahead of the Patriot Half (357 finishers) and Clash Daytona (323 finishers). In 2023 it was selected as USA Today’s Best Triathlon In The U.S.

We reached out to Sean Ryan, the Race Director, to find out the secret sauce to Door County’s extended success. “Our success is based on a great destination, solid execution, and our community’s involvement.   The numerous quaint villages that dot the Door County peninsula provide endless dining, shopping and tourism amenities and a natural scenic backdrop that is perfect for sports enthusiasts. By offering the three events over two days, it allows the race to serve as the highlight for a family ‘tri-cation.’ Nearly half of the participants have a fellow family member taking part in the same or another event at our venue that weekend. The athletes’ seamless experience is thanks to our core team of dedicated organizers that have worked hard to produce a five-star race for more than two decades. And we are fortunate to have more than 20 local charities that benefit financially from the race and help fill the volunteer ranks each year.”

Sean’s advice for other race directors is always focus first on making an impression, not making a profit. If you consistently produce a quality event, the registration numbers and the entry fees will generate the profits needed to justify your efforts. Organizers need to work within budget limits but participant safety and the quality of the experience shouldn’t be sacrificed to achieve profits.

About Door County Triathlon.  The Door County Peninsula is often referred to as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest.” This popular Midwestern tourist destination offers an abundance of lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment options. The sandy shorelines and majestic bluffs along Green Bay north of Sturgeon Bay provide an ideal setting for a triathlon. Frank Murphy Park is located in Horseshoe Bay, just 15 miles north of Sturgeon Bay and 3 miles south of Egg Harbor. The park has an ornate pavilion, a sandy beach, and a permanent pier that is perfect for spectators. Several large fields directly across the road from the park’s entrance provide ample parking for participants and spectators.

About Cal Tri Events. Cal Tri Events is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest national short-course triathlon series in the U.S. Their mission is to provide safe, affordable, and accessible triathlon experiences that make a difference in the communities they serve. The Cal Tri Events difference includes $85 all-in early bird pricing, free pre race swim clinics, and the best 15 words in triathlon; Free race transfers, deferrals & participant transfers as late as the day before the race. Learn more at www.californiatriathlon.org.

They say everything is bigger in Texas and this is certainly true about the Houston Kids Triathlon (formerly the Typhoon Texas Kids Triathlon and the Houston Texans Kids Tri).   Returning for its tenth year as the largest kids triathlon in the world, Houston Kids Tri will see 1,500 kids swim, bike and run and most likely splash at Typhoon Texas Waterpark. Race participants receive entry into the waterpark, a $40 value, as part of their race entry. The race is great for kids of all ages and skill levels and features paratriathlon, an adaptive splash & dash, and assisted options for both the triathlon and splash & dash. 

Making the race fun while prioritizing kids’ safety is how Houston Kids Triathlon has been so successful. It takes over 300 volunteers and staff to provide guidance and ensure that athletes, many of whom are participating in this type of race for the first time, stay happy and healthy. That includes medical support along the bike route and a medical team on site at the finish line.  And the energy will surround the kids, with Houston’s #1 radio station 104.1 broadcasting at the finish line and 4,500 spectators lining the course eagerly cheering on their budding triathletes. After the race many of the athletes and spectators will stay for the day and enjoy Typhoon Texas Waterpark with their family.

The Houston Kids Triathlon prioritizes affordability and accessibility. The financial assistance fund which includes $2000 from the race director combined from donations from the greater community opens up this type of opportunity for those with less means. Race Director, Tony Sapp, works to keep fees low so that available dollars can be invested in the quality of the race. “Acquiring affordable insurance that meets or exceeds all our partner requirements makes the difference between a good and great race experience.  Since 2023, after nearly a decade as a USAT-insured event, we switched to Cal Tri Events for race insurance—and the results have been impressive. We’ve enjoyed increased registrations, fewer inquiries, and a significant drop in abandoned carts during registration. Cal Tri Events has been an outstanding partner, and I’m excited about our continued collaboration for the foreseeable future,” comments Sapp.  

About My Negative Split.  Negative Split Productions was founded in 2014 with the goal of producing the premier endurance events in the greater Houston area. Tony Sapp, founder and owner of Negative Split Productions, was an avid runner and triathlete who began assisting in the production of events in 2012 as the volunteer coordinator for Onurmark Productions. When he decided to step into the Race Director role and begin the development of the Run Houston! Race Series in early 2014, Negative Split Productions was born. Today, Negative Split Productions offers a variety of race services including accurate and on-time timing & results, unique & cost effective race awards, turnkey virtual race services, and general event consulting.

About Cal Tri Events. Cal Tri Events is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest national short-course triathlon series in the U.S. Their mission is to provide safe, affordable, and accessible triathlon experiences that make a difference in the communities they serve. The Cal Tri Events difference includes $85 all-in early bird pricing, free pre race swim clinics, and the best 15 words in triathlon; Free race transfers, deferrals & participant transfers as late as the day before the race. Learn more at www.californiatriathlon.org.

Cal Tri Events opens an exciting new race season with athletes and fancrews at 2025 Athletica Cal Tri Austin – 3.30.25. Athletes from 30 states and 5 countries, ages 7-83, will travel to “The Live Music Capital of the World” to compete in 19 separate events including; triathlon, runbikerun, swimbike, swimrun, swim and run at both the sprint and olympic distances. Youth athletes, ages 7-17, race at Cal Tri Events for free, made possible by adult registrations, donations and corporate sponsorships. An all-women’s runbikerun event, courtesy of PinkStrong, has been added to the race in celebration of Women’s History Month.

Led by Camille Baptiste, PinkStrong welcomes the fitness-focused, families, fun enthusiasts, the fierce and fabulous and individuals of all levels to embrace the multisport lifestyle. PinkStrong believes that competing in multisport is about camaraderie, not competition. With training videos, free pre-race clinics, additional course marshals, and a celebratory finisher toast at the PinkStrong celebration tent, athletes are reminded that they are never alone as they discover they can accomplish new and difficult goals. Every finisher is celebrated, concluding with a victory tunnel for the final finisher. PinkStrong isn’t a club, it’s a vibe!

In 2024, Cal Tri Events donated approximately $45K to nonprofit organizations that were integral in supporting Cal Tri Event’s safe, affordable & accessible mission. As a result of PinkStrong’s exceptional support of the race, all revenue from the PinkStrong RunBikeRun event -valued at $6000 this year- will be donated to SBR Fun..  Support includes promotion, pre race planning including multiple site visits and volunteer recruitment and race weekend production. The athlete community and both organizations have greatly benefited from this unique collaboration and look to repeat it at 2025 Cal Tri Austin – 9.21.25. The two Cal Tri Events races at Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park and CapTex Tri, recently acquired by Supertri, represent the only triathlons in Austin. 

About SBR Fun. Swim Bike Run Fun Club & Events (SBR Fun) is a premier 501(c)(3) nonprofit multisport event producer in the Austin area, specializing in boutique signature events that bring the triathlon and cycling communities together. Our mission is to create safe, accessible, and empowering experiences through our Fun Swims Program, Fun Rides Circuit, and PinkStrong Multisport Series. What sets SBR Fun apart? Engaging, high-quality events designed to challenge and celebrate athletes of all levels while reviving and energizing local endurance sports. Learn more at www.swimbikerunfun.net.

About Cal Tri Events. Cal Tri Events is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest national short-course triathlon series in the U.S. Their mission is to provide safe, affordable, and accessible triathlon experiences that make a difference in the communities they serve. The Cal Tri Events difference includes $85 all-in early bird pricing, free pre race swim clinics, free youth races (ages 7-17) and the best 15 words in triathlon; Free race transfers, deferrals & participant transfers as late as the day before the race. Learn more at www.californiatriathlon.org.

In January 2025, the NCAA approved women’s wrestling as its 91st championship sport and will host its first championship in 2026. This follows the organization’s Board of Governors decision one year ago to commit $1.7 million to establish the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships. More than 1,200 women wrestlers are competing at NCAA colleges today, across 76 programs (2023-24), with 17 additional programs projected in 2024-25.  Women’s wrestling joins rowing (1996), ice hockey (2000), water polo (2000), bowling (2003) and beach volleyball (2015) as sports that have made the leap from NCAA Emerging Sport to Championship status. And women’s wrestling’s rise was relatively meteoric, having only gained NCAA Emerging Sport status in 2020.

Women’s Wrestling & Women’s Triathlon Snapshot

Where is women’s triathlon? Designated as an NCAA Emerging Sport in 2014, women’s triathlon has yet to achieve the 40 program minimum, based on numbers derived from data submitted by NCAA member schools in October 2024. In 2023-2024, there were 37 triathlon programs with 305 total athletes. 

The 2024-2025 projected sports sponsorship was 40 schools. The good news is that there are currently 41 schools currently listed on USA Triathlon’s website,  USA Triathlon’s NCAA Triathlon School Programs. The bad news is that newcomer LaSalle University won’t start competition until 2025-2026 and both Greensboro College and St. Thomas Aquinas College appear to have missed the minimum roster size of three (3) eligible student-athletes in 2024-2025 with only 2 each. Consequently, it would be safe to conclude that the ceiling was 38 schools in 2024-2025.  The data are refreshed each fall and will remain static until the next annual release. Additional eligibility requirements, including team participation in at least four intercollegiate contests, could further impact the total sports sponsorship number. 

Who are the 2024-2025 athletes?  From available information, 40 programs enrolled 342 athletes, with a median roster size of eight women, ranging from two (2) to eighteen (18). Some programs have turned abroad to meet their goals, like Wagner University (100% international), St. Thomas Aquinas College (100% international), Queens University (89% international), Emmanuel College (88% international) and Wingate University (67% international). Twenty-nine percent, or 100 of 342, of varsity female triathletes are international students. 

What about the sponsoring institutions? Overwhelmingly the colleges sponsoring women’s triathlon have small endowments, are tuition dependent and maintain meager athletic budgets. There is a troubling trend of credit downgrades with schools suffering from state funding cuts, Student athletes will choose and pay to continue to compete collegiately. Consequently, these institutions seek to increase enrollment and tuition revenue without significantly increasing overhead by adding sports, almost any sport. 

The NCAA Is In Deep Trouble. 

Per the NCAA, 90% of their $800 million revenue comes from the Division I men’s basketball championship, or March Madness, television and marketing rights. Championship ticket sales provide most of the remaining revenue. The NCAA does not control the College Football Playoff (CFP) or major bowl games and football contributes minimal direct revenue to the NCAA. The Big Ten, SEC and other Power 5 conferences earn $4-$5 billion annually from massive TV deals with large media companies (e.g., ESPN, FOX, CBS, & NBC). The College Football Playoff (CFP) alone is worth $1.3 billion per year in TV revenue. 

The NCAA’s headwinds have continued since the 2024 Treading Water: The State of NCAA Women’s Triathlon article. In a move that significantly weakens the NCAA’s control over athlete compensation, a judge granted preliminary approval to the $2.8 billion legal settlement that allows schools to pay players in October 2024. The settlement includes both $2.8 billion of retroactive payments to about 14,000 current and former Division I athletes plus a revenue sharing model that allows each school to distribute up to $20.5 million annually to their athletes. The final approval hearing on April 7, 2025 will determine the settlement’s implementation.

While it might have to wait until the NCAA’s March Madness agreement with CBS/Turner expires in 2032, the Power 5 could follow the College Football Playoff (CFP) model and separate from the NCAA, securing more money for themselves and gaining more control over the March Madness tournament structure. Without the basketball money, the NCAA would likely become little more than a regulatory agency that would be unable to fund or produce NCAA Championship events, including women’s triathlon.

Summary. In 2022, there were claims that Women’s Collegiate Triathlon Now on the Doorstep to Full-Fledged NCAA Status and Triathlon Hits Mark to Become Next NCAA Sport. That has not yet come to fruition; while women’s wrestling recently gained NCAA Championship status after becoming an NCAA Emerging Sport in 2020 and achieving the 40 school mark just two years later. Assuming that the NCAA is still in a financial position to add emerging sports and currently participating schools remain in a position to sponsor the sport, a best case scenario for women’s triathlon to become an NCAA Championship Sport is three years away. It will look markedly different from women’s wrestling’s emergence, which quickly accumulated twice as many colleges and four times as many athletes. We are also keeping an eye on flag football, considering the NFL’s commitment to it, reflected in a two minute Super Bowl LIX commercial, titled “Flag 50”. Given that 30-second slots during the 2025 Super Bowl were sold for approximately $8 million each, the estimated cost for this two-minute (120-second) commercial is $32 million. 

2024-2025 Collegiate Triathlon Snapshot

Institutional Research

Recent reports have highlighted a troubling trend of credit downgrades in the higher education sector, with numerous institutions suffering from tightened funding, reduced student enrollment and an increasing debt burden. Analysts point to a combination of declining state funding, demographic shifts and a competitive marketplace as primary factors contributing to the financial distress experienced by many U.S. colleges and universities.

• Arizona State University. Arizona State to add tuition surcharge, close 1 campus after state funding cuts
• Black Hills State University. BHSU attempts to overcome historic funding deficit
• Cal Poly Humboldt. Cal Poly Humboldt Imposes ‘Temporary Hiring Chill’ in Response to Anticipated $13.3 Million Budget Deficit
• Calvin University. Budget pain ahead: The end of “invest to grow” at Calvin
• Concordia University Wisconsin. Concordia University campuses, including Mequon’s, facing financial struggles
• Delaware State University. UD and DSU seek millions after requests were largely unfulfilled by governor’s recommended budget
• Duquesne University. Pittsburgh’s smaller colleges teeter on edge of ‘enrollment cliff’ and tuition drought
• Emmanuel College. Moody’s Ratings revises Emmanuel College’s (MA) outlook to negative from stable; affirms Baa3
• Gallaudet University. Gallaudet University, DC 2021 Bond Rating Outlook Revised To Negative On Enrollment Declines And Operating Deficits
• Guilford College. Guilford College gets 1 more year of accreditation probation for ‘good cause’
• King University. King University at risk of losing accreditation
• La Salle University. La Salle University’s enrollment dropped 28% since 2019.
• Queens University. Queens University of Charlotte says it will make cuts after missing enrollment goal
• University of Arizona. Arizona Budget Woes Still Loom Large One Year Later
• University of Denver. DU makes cuts as declining enrollment creates budget deficit, drawing concern from faculty, students
• University of South Dakota. $10M base fund decrease to university funding not ‘terribly positive’ to SDBOR head
• Wagner College. Fitch Revises Wagner College, NY’s Outlook to Negative; Affirms IDR and Revs at ‘BBB-‘
• Warren Wilson College. Warren Wilson College revamps its academic offerings
• Willamette University. Decline of undergraduate enrollment results in cuts to student and staff support