Men's college soccer 2-semester model rejected by D-I schools

Key Points:

• A proposal to split the NCAA Division I men's college soccer season into two semesters starting in 2027-28 was rejected by a two-thirds majority of Division I schools, failing to meet the required 75% approval.
• The measure, initially adopted by the sport's oversight committee in May, aimed to reduce time demands on athletes, balance academics and athletics, and provide more recovery time by extending the season into spring.
• Opposition mainly came from smaller athletic departments citing resource constraints, as well as some major programs and Ivy League schools, with concerns about increased costs, scheduling conflicts, and staffing challenges.
• Supporters, including University of Maryland coach Sasho Cirovski, argued the current condensed fall season is unsafe and unfair due to high injury rates from frequent games and that a split season could elevate the sport's profile akin to NCAA lacrosse.
• The NCAA confirmed that men's soccer will continue its championship season in the fall, while the Women's Soccer Oversight Committee had previously declined a similar split-season proposal.