CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — Northern Iowa athletic director Troy Dannen says the university will eliminate its baseball program after the 2009 season to save money.

In an announcement Monday, Dannen noted an expected athletic department budget gap of up to $600,000 next year, thanks to a 9 percent drop in state funding.

The Panthers baseball team is expected to run nearly a $400,000 deficit this season.

UNI also plans to reduce its athletics travel budget by $200,000.

The NCAA will let players transfer to another school without sitting out a year. Those who remain at Northern Iowa will have their scholarships honored.

Northern Iowa is the state's second Division I baseball program to be eliminated this decade. Iowa State cut its program in 2001.