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The cancellation of the NCAA Tournament appears near.

Following the NCAA’s unprecedented decision to hold the men’s and women’s tournaments without fans in attendance, and the cancellation of every conference tournament, perennial contenders Duke and Kansas announced that they are each suspending all athletic competition for the foreseeable future due to coronavirus concerns. The Blue Devils have also pre-emptively pulled out of the NCAA tournament. Arizona State, which is projected to play in March Madness, has also suspended all athletic competition.

“We emphatically support the decision regarding the suspension of athletic competition at Duke,” longtime coach Mike Krzyzewski said in a statement. “The welfare of our student-athletes, and all students at Duke, is paramount, and this decision reflects that institutional priority.”

Duke’s director of athletics, Kevin White, is also chairman of the NCAA Tournament committee.

“During this unpredictable time, Duke Athletics fully supports all measures to protect the health and welfare of the Duke family and beyond,” White said in a statement. “While we understand this may be daunting to many, please know that this decision is entirely in the best interest of all student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans.”

The ACC as a whole is suspending athletic activities until further notice, including “formal and organized practice, recruiting and participation in NCAA championships.”

Kansas, the No. 1-ranked team in the nation, has banned “all athletic travel indefinitely.”

“Our highest priority at Kansas Athletics is to ensure the safety and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches and staff,” said Jeff Long, Kansas’ director of athletics. “We will continue to monitor the situation and determine the next appropriate steps based on advice from our medical team.”