Ivy League cancels men's, women's basketball tournaments due to coronavirus

General arena view during the Ivy League college basketball game between the Harvard Crimson and Princeton Tigers on February 21, 2020 at Jadwin Gymnasium in Princeton, NJ (Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Ivy League men’s and women’s basketball tournaments have been canceled in light of the COVID-19 coronavirus situation.

League officials made the announcement Tuesday afternoon after consulting with medical and public health professionals.

The Ivy League’s regular-season champions, Princeton University women and Yale University men, will automatically qualify for their respective NCAA tournaments.

“We understand and share the disappointment with student-athletes, coaches and fans who will not be able to participate in these tournaments,” Ivy League Executive Director Robin Harris said. “Regrettably, the information and recommendations presented to us from public health authorities and medical professionals have convinced us that this is the most prudent decision.”


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All tickets for the Ivy League Basketball Tournaments will be refunded in full, but ticket holders with any questions should contact the Harvard ticket office. 

The league will also immediately implement highly-restrictive, in-venue spectator limitations for all other upcoming campus athletic events. The League is also canceling all out-of-season practices and competitions.

“Following a number of league-wide discussions throughout the last several weeks, we have decided to exercise caution in the interest of student-athletes, fans and the general community,” Harris said.

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