[Redrum]

Most athletic depts. depend on football and/or basketball revenue to pay all it's bills.  Or, if you're Duke,  it's the bball money. 

So the logic is you take care of the money pump(s) first.  That, in turn,  raises the profile of football and at the same time provides only one focus for all the school pride and engagement.  After a while, it's self reinforcing.  Meet the minimum for Title IX compliance and stop.  Trying to add and run additional programs brings no revenue advantage and if other schools in the conference aren't doing it,  why should any one school? 

BTW.  The SEC officially sponsors 12  women's sports.  Only 7 sports (Basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis and indoor/outdoor track and field)  are played by all schools.  Swimming has 12 SEC participating schools, Volleyball 13 and gymnastics 8.  Only two schools-- Auburn and Georgia participate in all. 

But no SEC AD ever lost his job because their women's gymnastic team or tennis team sucked.

[Redrum]

Most athletic depts. depend on football and/or basketball revenue to pay all it's bills.  Or, if you're Duke,  it's the bball money. 

So the logic is you take care of the money pump(s) first.  That, in turn,  raises the profile of football and at the same time provides only one focus for all the school pride and engagement.  After a while, it's self reinforcing.  Meet the minimum for Title IX compliance and stop.  Trying to add and run additional programs brings no revenue advantage and if other schools in the conference aren't doing it,  why should any one school? 

BTW.  The SEC officially sponsors 12  women's sports.  Only 7 sports (Basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis and indoor/outdoor track and field)  are played by all schools.  Swimming has 12 SEC participating schools, Volleyball 13 and gymnastics 8.  Only two schools-- Auburn and Georgia participate in all. 

But no SEC AD ever lost his job because their women's gymnastic team or tennis team sucked.