Washington State Athletics Deficit to Reach $103 Million

RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) — The budget deficit for the Washington State University athletic department is projected to reach $103 million by fiscal 2022.

The WSU Board of Regents was told Friday that the athletic department remains committed to producing a balanced budget by fiscal 2023.

The department intends to increase revenues 27% by 2023, while continuing to contain expenses, to achieve a balanced budget.

The $103 million deficit is a $17 million increase over last year's projection.

The increase is primarily due to a change in how capital projects are accounted for. In previous years they were not included in the operating budget.

Officials say the rest of the increase includes costs for replacing the head basketball coach.

Regents on Friday also approved a 2.4% increase to resident and nonresident tuition.