The National College Players Association is calling on the NCAA to consider holding the March Madness men's basketball tournament without an audience in order to protect players from the coronavirus.
"In the wake of the emerging coronavirus pandemic, the NCAA and its colleges should take precautions to protect college athletes," the group said in a statement released Saturday.
"In regard to the NCAA's March Madness Tournament and other athletic events, there should be a serious discussion about holding competitions without an audience present," the group added.
The National College Players Association, a nonprofit group that advocates for college athletes, also called for the NCAA to cancel meet-and-greets and press events that would put players in contact with crowds.
The NCAA said it is preparing for its winter and spring championships, but is monitoring coronavirus developments in conjunction with health authorities.
"In regards to coronavirus, the NCAA Sport Science Institute sent two memos recently to NCAA members directing schools and conference offices to Center for Disease Control and Prevention resources on the issue," the NCAA said. "Otherwise, NCAA staff continues to prepare for all NCAA winter and spring championships, but we are keenly aware of coronavirus and will continue to monitor in coordination with state/local health authorities and the CDC."
There are more than 100 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and six deaths nationwide.
The NCAA will reveal the bracket with the 68 teams competing in the tournament on March 15, known as Selection Sunday, with the first four games held on March 17 and 18 at the University of Dayton in Ohio.
This story has been updated to include a statement from the NCAA as well as the current number of coronavirus cases in the U.S.
-- CNBC's Jessica Golden contributed to this report