With revenue from the NCAA Division I Tournaments a vital part of funding for many institutions, it’s still undetermined on what the impact of cancellation will be.
At first, the NCAA announced it would hold the men’s and women’s D I tournaments — iconic fixtures on the sports landscape — with attendance of only players, coaches, essential staff and limited family. But on March 12, the hammer came down as Dr. Mark Emmert, the NCAA’s president, and the NCAA Board of Governors canceled the tournaments citing the evolving COVID-19 public health threat.
Dr. Rishi Desai, a pediatric infectious disease physician with a
public health background, said this was a wise move. Not only is the disease easily transmitted, but student-athletes who’ve seen their seasons come to a premature end can take comfort in knowing they’re prolonging their athletic careers by being safe.
“During these few months, anything they can do to essentially socially distance [helps lessen risk],” said Desai. “These few months that they invest in themselves and their health, making that priority number one, are going to benefit them for the rest of their lives, well beyond their days on the court.”
Most campuses were cleared and classes transferred to distance learning in early March. As students moved out of dormitories, student-athletes were allowed to remain for training. But, on March 13, the NCAA announced the cancellation of all remaining winter and spring championships due to coronavirus concerns and student-athletes departed.
Revenue from the television rights and sponsorship for the Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament is divided among all institutions that play Division I basketball. Schools in the Football Bowl Subdivision have abundant revenue from football and will weather losses with minimal problems. Other schools and conferences may see significantly less funding heading into the 2020-21 academic year.
