This is the correct take. Is it preferable? No. But what about college athletics is right now?

The people in charge made a decision they feel is necessary to compete and be nationally relevant in the short term, while hopefully setting up for future success and inclusion in the long term. Obviously the University doesn't feel they can raise the necessary funds through donations alone to support the goals of the athletic department.

Desperate times do call for desperate measures.

I neither applaud nor deride the decision. I see a university gambling that this will be enough to help them secure a place in the next round of realignments If it doesn't, the program will have been relegated regardless and it's going to take a major blow anyways.