Yeah, you're probably right. BYU-Idaho's athletic de-emphasis was largely driven by financial considerations.

Yale, Princeton, and The University of Chicago's de-emphasis had more to do with the changing landscape of college athletics. During their prominence, professional sport employment was not readily available. College athletics was strictly more amateur participation alongside getting an education. With the advent of more commercialized college sports, they tended to focus on academics.

I do see problems with BYU remaining a power in sports. First, is the academic focus of BYU. BYU is a nationally and internationally renowned school committed to academic excellence. Unfortunately, in today's athletic climate, it is more rare to have a well-respected academic institution excel in sports. Certain universities have gotten burned with unbridled athletic pursuits (chapel hill).

But all is not lost. Remember the larger picture of BYU as an amazing academic opportunity and an asset to LDS youth who both have academic goals as well as wanting to be in an organization which values their morals and where they can associate (and marry) those of similar beliefs.