Big Ten Conference Cancels All Competition Through End of Academic Year

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The Big Ten Conference announced today that in addition to the Men’s Basketball Tournament it will be canceling all conference and non-conference competitions through the end of the academic year, including spring sports that compete beyond the academic year, and participation in all NCAA tournaments and competitions. In addition, the Conference has announced a moratorium on all on- and off-campus recruiting activities for the foreseeable future.

The Big Ten Conference will use this time to work with the appropriate medical experts and institutional leadership to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The main priority of the Big Ten Conference continues to be the health, safety and wellness of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, fans and media as we continue to monitor all developing and relevant information on the COVID-19 virus.

Stement from Gary Barta,  Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair 

“We fully support the actions taken by the Big Ten Conference, knowing that the health, safety, and wellness of our student-athletes and staff members is the top priority.

My heart aches for our student-athletes, coaches, and athletic staff, as our spring sport seasons are cut short, especially for our seniors. I sympathize with our winter sports teams who were primed to compete at their upcoming NCAA Championship events.

We will do everything in our power to provide our full support for everyone in Iowa athletics as we move forward through the spring semester.”