March Madness has been cancelled because of the coronavirus epidemic, the NCAA has confirmed.

It was announced on Wednesday the Division I men's and women's tournaments would be played behind closed doors due to the spread of COVID-19.

However, a host of conferences called off their end-of-season tournaments on Thursday and the NCAA followed suit.

A statement read: "Today, NCAA President Mark Emmert and the board of governors cancelled the Division I men's and women's 2020 basketball tournaments, as well as all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships.

"This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities."

The NBA has been suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus outbreak, with Utah Jazz duo Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell confirming they have contracted the illness.