Selection Sunday and the NIT
Selection Sunday is an event that captures the attention of college basketball fans beyond just the NCAA Tournament. Scheduled for Sunday, March 15, at 6 p.m. ET, the highly anticipated unveiling of the NCAA Tournament bracket is just the prelude to another significant event: the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) bracket release. This tournament features a 32-team lineup comprised of squads that didn’t make the cut for March Madness.
NIT Format and Selection Process
The NIT operates under an invitation-only format, where Division I teams must receive an invitation from the selection committee to participate. It is one of the various postseason tournaments that occur alongside the NCAA Tournament, giving teams a chance to extend their season. As the First Four games of the NCAA Tournament commence, the NIT will also kick off on Tuesday, March 17.
Key details regarding the NIT’s schedule and selection process are as follows:
- NIT Bracket Release: The bracket for the 2026 NIT will be disclosed on Sunday, March 15, right after the announcement of the NCAA Tournament bracket.
- NIT Format: The NIT features 32 teams. This year, eligibility criteria have adjusted again due to the introduction of The College Basketball Crown tournament. Half of the teams will be classified as “exempt,” with four spots going to top teams from the ACC and the SEC that were not included in the NCAA field. The remaining twelve exempt slots are filled by the highest-placed teams in the top twelve conferences based on KenPom Rankings.
- The other half includes 16 automatic bids granted to conference regular season champions with a “KNIT” score of at least 125, along with at-large selections representing other strong teams left out of the NCAA.
NIT Timeline
NIT Timeline:
- The tournament commences with first-round matches on Tuesday, March 17, and Wednesday, March 18.
- The second round takes place on Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22.
- Quarterfinals are scheduled for March 24-25.
- Semifinals will unfold on Thursday, April 2.
- The championship game concludes the tournament on Sunday, April 5, with both the semifinals and finals being hosted at iconic venues in Indianapolis – Hinkle Fieldhouse and Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
NIT History
A look back at NIT history reveals a rich tradition, with past champions including notable teams such as Wake Forest, South Carolina, and Michigan. More recent champions include Memphis in 2021 and North Texas in 2023. A complete list of NIT champions since its inception in 1938 is available for those interested in the tournament’s legacy.
For college basketball enthusiasts, the NIT is not just an adjunct to March Madness but a vital part of the postseason landscape, providing teams another opportunity to vie for glory after the regular season ends.
