Beyond March Madness: A Guide to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT)
Selection Sunday. The day college basketball fans eagerly await, glued to their screens, as the brackets for the men’s NCAA Tournament are unveiled. However, the frenzy of March Madness sometimes overshadows another significant postseason tournament: the National Invitation Tournament, or NIT.
Shortly after the 68 teams destined for the NCAA Tournament are announced, the NIT reveals its own 32-team bracket. While it may not garner the same level of national attention as its more prominent counterpart, the NIT offers competitive basketball and a chance for teams to showcase their talent, providing an exciting alternative for fans and players alike.
Understanding the NIT: An Invitation-Only Affair
Unlike the NCAA Tournament, which features a combination of automatic qualifiers (conference tournament champions) and at-large selections, the NIT is strictly an invitation-only tournament. This means Division I men’s basketball teams must be handpicked by the NIT selection committee to participate.
The NIT serves as one of several other postseason tournaments that occur alongside March Madness, giving more teams the opportunity to extend their season and compete for a championship. It’s a chance for programs on the cusp of NCAA Tournament contention, those who experienced unforeseen setbacks during the regular season, or rising teams looking to gain valuable experience.
Where the Action Happens: College Campuses
One notable difference between the NCAA Tournament and the NIT is the location of the games. While the NCAA Tournament is played at predetermined neutral sites across the country, every game of the NIT takes place on a college campus. This provides a unique atmosphere, with teams enjoying home-court advantage and enthusiastic crowds fueling the competition.
The 2025 NIT action tips off on Tuesday, March 18, and culminates on Thursday, April 3, with the championship game held at the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. This iconic venue, home to the Butler Bulldogs, provides a fitting backdrop for the NIT’s grand finale.
Unveiling the Bracket: A Digital Approach
In contrast to the televised spectacle of the NCAA Tournament bracket reveal, the NIT takes a different approach. The NIT bracket will not be released on television or a streaming service platform. Instead, the NIT’s official X (formerly Twitter) account will announce the bracket details on their social media platforms.
Mark Your Calendars: 2025 NIT Dates
For fans looking ahead, the bracket for the 2025 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) will be released on Sunday, March 16, following the conclusion of the NCAA Tournament bracket reveal show. It’s a quick turnaround, ensuring that basketball fans have a steady stream of postseason action to enjoy.
NIT Eligibility and Selection: A New Landscape for 2025
The NIT features a 32-team bracket, and the selection process for 2025 has undergone some notable changes, primarily due to the emergence of The College Basketball Crown tournament. The NCAA has outlined different eligibility qualifications for the 2025 NIT compared to previous years.
Sixteen teams will be designated as "exempt" teams. Four of these spots will be awarded to the top two teams from the ACC and SEC that were not selected for the NCAA Tournament field. This ensures that strong teams from power conferences still have a chance to compete in the postseason.
The remaining 12 "exempt" spots will be given to the top team in the top 12 conferences based on the KenPom Rankings. KenPom is a respected college basketball analytics site that uses advanced statistical analysis to rank teams.
The other 16 spots in the 32-team field will be allocated through automatic bids and at-large selections. Automatic bids go to conference regular-season champions that have a KNIT score of 125 or better. This provides an opportunity for teams from smaller conferences to earn a spot in the tournament. The remaining spots will be filled by at-large teams, consisting of the best available teams that did not receive a bid to March Madness. This ensures that the NIT field is filled with competitive and deserving teams.
The NIT Schedule: A Path to the Championship
The 2025 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) kicks off on Tuesday, March 18, with the first round of games. The first round action coincides with the first night of the NCAA Tournament’s First Four, offering a double dose of postseason basketball excitement.
The semifinals and championship games of the NIT will take place on Tuesday, April 1, and Thursday, April 3, respectively, at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. This marks the second consecutive season that both of the final rounds of the NIT will be held at this historic venue.
NIT Schedule Breakdown:
- First Round: Tuesday, March 18
- Second Round: Dates TBD
- Quarterfinals: Dates TBD
- Semifinals: Tuesday, April 1
- Championship: Thursday, April 3
A Look Back: Past NIT Champions
While the focus is often on the future, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the history of the NIT. This tournament has seen numerous memorable moments and crowned many deserving champions.
The NIT boasts a rich tradition, dating back to its inception in 1938. Over the years, many prominent programs have claimed the NIT title, adding to their legacy and providing a springboard for future success.
