Full Breakdown
University of Dallas Basketball Team Faces Trip Cancellation Due to Company Bankruptcy
4/21/2026, 12:39:41 PM
Core Event: Trip Cancellation and Financial Loss
The University of Dallas men's basketball team has encountered a significant setback as their planned trip to London, which was two years in the making, has been abruptly canceled. The team had paid over $60,000 to GoPlay Sports for the trip, only to be informed on April 9, 2026, that the company was entering Chapter 7 bankruptcy and could no longer fulfill any bookings. This cancellation has left players and coaches grappling with disappointment and financial uncertainty.
Background & Context: Planning the Trip
The trip to London was not merely a recreational outing; it held special significance for senior player Michael Kennedy, who is originally from London. Kennedy had hoped to share his hometown with his teammates and allow his parents, whose health is declining, to see him play one last time in a college uniform. The team, along with family and friends, had worked diligently to raise the funds necessary for the trip, with Kennedy personally contributing by selling Gatorade at school soccer games.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Matt Grahn expressed his embarrassment and frustration upon delivering the news of the cancellation to the team. He stated, "Difficult, I don't think even scratches the surface of how I felt about it -- I was embarrassed. We've worked so hard on this trip as a group." The email from GoPlay Sports cited a combination of increased cancellations and ongoing issues in the Middle East as reasons for their operational difficulties. However, CBS News Texas found that GoPlay Sports had not yet filed for bankruptcy as of the article's publication, raising questions about the company's claims.
Criticism & Opposition: Concerns Over Company Accountability
Players and coaches have voiced their concerns regarding the accountability of GoPlay Sports. Luke Paton, a freshman on the team, questioned how a company could fail to fulfill its obligations after receiving significant payments. "How do you let this happen? As a company, it's your job to fulfill your clients' trips and bookings," he remarked. The University of Dallas legal team is currently investigating the situation to determine the next steps.
What's Next: Seeking Alternatives
In light of the cancellation, Grahn is actively seeking alternative solutions to make the trip happen, despite the financial challenges. Kennedy expressed the team's reluctance to solicit donations but acknowledged the necessity of finding funds to replace the lost amount. "I don't want to just beg people for donations, but we don't really have much else right now," he stated.
Verbatim Quotes
- “How do you let this happen. As a company, it's your job to fulfill your clients' trips and bookings, and we gave you this money, so what happened to it?” — Luke Paton, Freshman Basketball Player
- “Difficult, I don't think even scratches the surface of how I felt about it -- I was embarrassed.” — Matt Grahn, Head Coach
- “I was going to show them, like, where I live. I was 100% confident this trip was going to happen; nothing could have gone wrong, but it did. I just, it feels like betrayal a little bit, you know, two years of working with them, but for what?” — Michael Kennedy, Senior Player
The situation remains fluid as the University of Dallas navigates the implications of this cancellation and seeks to support its basketball team in overcoming this unexpected hurdle.
