The 1980–81 Yale Bulldogs men's basketball team represented Yale University during the 1980–81 men's college basketball season. The Bulldogs, led by 6th year head coach , played their home games at John J. Lee Amphitheater of the Payne Whitney Gymnasium and were members of the Ivy League. They finished the season 7–19, 4–10 in Ivy League play to finish in sixth place.