photo credit: Noah Abrams/KRCB
Sonoma State Softball players gather for a 'Save SSU Athletics' rally on April 10, 2025.

On June 17, the lawsuit over Sonoma State University’s elimination of all NCAA athletics moved up to the California Supreme Court.

Seven former SSU student‑athletes filed the case in 2025, arguing Sonoma State broke its own rules when it cut every sports program during a major budget crisis.

A lower court allowed the cuts to proceed, but the state Supreme Court will now review whether the students’ challenge can move forward.

SSU President Michael Spagna says reinstating athletics was one of his top priorities when taking on the position in January of this year.

“Athletics is so important for the university culture and the community culture for student athletes… And I’m taking a very serious effort to see if we can reinstate Division II athletics here at Sonoma State University,” Spagna said in an interview with student‑run KSUN Radio.

Spagna is clear he makes no promises on the outcome, but says he’ll announce whether the university will reinstate its athletics program at a June 30 press conference.

SSU told KRCB News they will not share any more information about athletics until that date.