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University of Florida recovering from $54.5M shortfall amid pandemic

Photo: Antonio Lopez
Photo: Antonio Lopez

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida’s athletic department had a $54.5 million shortfall during the 2020-21 fiscal year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Gators were able to weather the significant financial losses with a supplement from the Southeastern Conference and a sizeable reserve.

The University Athletic Association released its annual budget summary amid the school’s two-day board of trustees meeting that ended Friday.

Athletic director Scott Stricklin expressed optimism that one of the country’s most successful sports programs would rebound without any long-term setbacks. He says “it's something we hope we never have to do again.”

Danielle Prieur covers education in Central Florida.