Coronavirus updates: College basketball tournaments under the microscope

Sports organizations are taking drastic measures to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus among players and fans. 

Already, four major pro sports leagues in North America — MLB, NBA, NHL and MLS — have temporarily closed their clubhouses and locker rooms to the media. And a member of Tokyo's 2020 Olympic organizing committee's executive board raised the possibility of the Games being postponed for a year or two if they can't go on as scheduled.

As the worldwide death toll topped 4,000 on Tuesday and the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases approached 117,000, here are the latest developments in the sports world:

Ivy League hoops tourneys canceled

The Yale men's and Princeton women's teams will represent the Ivy League in the upcoming NCAA Tournaments after officials scrapped the postseason conference tourneys to "limit large gatherings on campuses in light of the coronavirus situation."

In response to players who expressed frustration with the decision, Ivy League executive director Robin Harris said public health concerns were paramount: “We understand and share the disappointment with student-athletes, coaches and fans who will not be able to participate in these tournaments.”

Big West, MAC to play without fans

Two conferences have decided their men's and women's basketball tournaments will be played behind closed doors. Both the Big West and Mid-American Conferences on Tuesday became the first to announce they're restricting public access to the tournament sites.

Fans who have already purchased tickets will be able to receive a full refund.

ACC, SEC, Big 12, Pac-12 proceeding

The NCAA announced Tuesday its intentions to give member schools full authority to make their own decisions regarding their regular season and tournament schedules. 

However, later in the afternoon a revised statement was released, saying it's now "consulting with public health officials and our COVID-19 advisory panel" and will "make decisions in the coming days."

The ACC, SEC, Big 12 and Pac-12 are all moving forward with plans to hold their men's basketball tournaments in Greensboro, Nashville, Kansas City and Las Vegas, respectively, as scheduled.

Additionally, the Big East is moving forward with its plans for the men's basketball tournament at Madison Square Garden in New York. 

Ohio, Washington facing potential conflicts

NCAA president Mark Emmert reiterated Tuesday that the men's and women's basketball tournaments will proceed as planned. However, the traditional first games in Dayton, Ohio, could run into a conflict.

Ohio governor Mike DeWine has recommended that high school, college and professional sports events in the state should be closed to the public.

The First Four games in Dayton are scheduled to be played next Tuesday. Cleveland is also a first-round host in the men's NCAA Tournament.

The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced Tuesday afternoon that its winter sports tournaments would continue with "limited spectators."

However, the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets said their Thursday and Saturday home games would “be open to ticketed fans that wish to attend.”

Ohio is not the only state where crowd restrictions may impact sports. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is expected to announce a ban on gatherings of more than 250 people. The Seattle Mariners are exploring options to begin their season (MLB opening day is March 26) in Arizona, according to The Athletic. 

There have been 267 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Washington state. 

Prep basketball takes a hit

Four games in the New York state boys and girls basketball tournaments, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, have been delayed after the host sites withdrew.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the playoff games had yet to be rescheduled or relocated.

Taking things a step further, the state of Connecticut canceled its high school basketball tournament on Tuesday — becoming the first state to do so.

Premier League match scrapped

Wednesday's EPL matchup between Arsenal and Manchester City has been postponed with some of the Arsenal players under self-quarantine. 

Following a Europa League game against Olympiakos, several unnamed Arsenal players met with Olympiakos owner Evangelos Marinakis, who later announced he had contracted COVID-19. The affected players will remain at their homes until their 14-day quarantine expires.

Meanwhile, Wolves' request to postpone their Europa League match at Olympiakos next week was denied by UEFA.  

FC Barcelona bans fans

For at least the next two weeks, all FC Barcelona matches — at the professional, amateur and youth levels — will be closed to the public. 

In addition, the Barca Academy World Cup Tournament, which was to be played next month in Barcelona, has been cancelled. 

Cornell hockey closes doors

Spectators will not be permitted as Cornell hosts men's and women's hockey games this weekend. 

The men's ECAC Quarterfinals matchup vs. Princeton and the women's NCAA clash vs. Mercyhurst will be played without fans in attendance as part of the Ivy League's response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Elsewhere: UCLA is limiting its home athletic events to essential personnel only through at least April 10. USC announced that it is limiting attendance at home athletic events through March 29.

In professional baseball overseas, Nippon Professional Baseball (Japan) and KBO (South Korea) both delayed the beginnings of their respective seasons.