NCAA won't grant winter sports athletes extra year of eligibility

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The NCAA decided not to grant winter sports athletes, including basketball players, an extra year of eligibility due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Division I council announced Monday.

"Winter sports were not included in the decision," the statement read. "Council members declined to extend eligibility for student-athletes in sports where all or much of their regular seasons were completed."

Meanwhile, student-athletes competing in spring sports were given an extra year. Schools will be allowed to carry more players on scholarships and can use the NCAA's Student Assistance Fund to pay for the scholarships of students who take advantage of the additional eligibility in 2020-21.

However, it's up to each school to determine how much financial aid they'll provide, if any, for each student-athlete that exercises their extra year of eligibility.

The council's decision allows many seniors whose campaigns had come to an abrupt end to return and compete next season.

On March 12, the NCAA canceled its remaining winter and spring championships, including marquee events such as the men's and women's March Madness basketball tournaments, the College World Series, and the Frozen Four hockey tournaments.