The men's National Invitation Tournament (NIT) is facing unprecedented challenges, with a record 17 schools opting out of participation this season, the most in its 86-year history. This phenomenon has sparked discussions about the tournament's relevance and future in the evolving landscape of college basketball. Critics and analysts are pondering whether the NIT can recalibrate to remain a significant part of the sport or if it risks becoming obsolete. The wave of opt-outs, including notable programs like North Carolina and Syracuse, has been attributed to various factors, including the increasing focus on the transfer portal. Tom Crean remarked, "The urgent is getting so far out in front of the important." In response to the declining participation and in fear of a potential rival tournament sponsored by Fox for power conferences, the NIT has altered its rules to offer more bids to power conference teams. Despite these changes, 16 power conference teams still declined their invitations, and the Fox-sponsored competitor tournament is set to launch regardless.
• Fearful of a potential Fox-sponsored competitor for power conferences, the NIT changes their own rules to give more bids to power conference teams. • 16 power conference teams declined the NIT. • The Fox competitor Tournament will start anyway. 😂 https://t.co/isX7i0z0tS
Teams don't want to play in the NIT because they want to hit the portal. This idea is dead on arrival. https://t.co/aWJ0kloMCo
Considering the number of schools that opted out of the NIT, including Syracuse, due to the portal and other reasons, a straight-up NIT rival tournament is an interesting move. https://t.co/UjCffiSwj0
One year after North Carolina declined an invite, 17 schools opted out of the men’s NIT this season. “The urgent is getting so far out in front of the important,” said Tom Crean. “When these days are gone, you don't get them back.” Via @TheAthleticCBB. https://t.co/E5pJsZayM1
Really interesting piece by @Williams_Justin on the present and future of the NIT after a wave of team opt-outs: https://t.co/zrJiuRnLjV
A slew of teams passed on playing in the NIT. Where does it fit in college basketball's new era? https://t.co/V3IJBHC6tH…uture-whats-next/
Good read on the NIT, which doesn’t feel at all like it used to. https://t.co/3YxCwLsiSF
The men’s NIT experienced a wave of opt outs this season, the most in the tournament’s 86-year history. Why now? And can a mainstay of college basketball recalibrate — or does it risk getting completely left behind. Via @TheAthleticCBB. https://t.co/E5pJsZa0Wt
A slew of teams passed on playing in the NIT. Where does it fit in college basketball’s new era? ⤵️ https://t.co/DicPumNmN7