The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) has been a significant part of college basketball history, even though it is now considered a secondary competition compared to the NCAA’s “March Madness.” Here’s a breakdown of the NIT’s journey and how it evolved over time.
1. The NIT’s Origins
Inception: The NIT began in 1938, with Temple University winning the first tournament.
Field Size: Initially, it had a field of 6 teams in 1938, expanding over time.
2. The Rise of March Madness
The Big Dance Grows: March Madness (NCAA Tournament) became a more prominent competition due to two major factors: field size and broadcasting power.
- 1952: March Madness expanded from 8 to 16 teams, surpassing the NIT, which had only 12 teams.
- 1975: The NCAA Tournament grew to 32 teams, doubling the NIT’s field of 16 teams.
- 1973: The NCAA moved the men’s basketball championship game to a Monday night primetime slot, further cementing its place as the premier basketball event.
3. NIT’s Decline and Current Status
Over the years, the NIT and NCAA Tournament transitioned from being rivals to complementary events.
In 2026, both the NIT and NCAA Final Fours will take place in Indianapolis, signifying their coexistence in determining top college basketball teams.
4. NIT Field Size Changes Over Time
The NIT’s field size has fluctuated, reflecting its changing status in the basketball world. Here’s how it evolved:
Here’s a table summarizing the NIT field size over the years:
| Year(s) | Field Size |
|---|---|
| 1938 | 6 teams |
| 1941-48 | 8 teams |
| 1949-64 | 12 teams |
| 1965-67 | 14 teams |
| 1967-78 | 16 teams |
| 1979 | 24 teams |
| 1980-2001 | 32 teams |
| 2002-05 | 40 teams |
| 2006-19 | 32 teams |
| 2020 | Tournament canceled due to the pandemic |
| 2021 | 16 teams (due to the pandemic) |
| 2022-present | 32 teams |
The NIT’s final change in field size came after the NCAA purchased the NIT from the Metropolitan Intercollegiate Basketball Association in 2005.
5. The Women’s NIT and New Developments
Before the NCAA’s acquisition of the NIT, the organization did not own a women’s invitational.
Other organizations ran women’s tournaments, including the WNIT (Women’s National Invitation Tournament).
2024: The NCAA introduced the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament (WBIT) as a new secondary competition for women’s college basketball. Illinois won the inaugural title, defeating Villanova.
Conclusion
While the NIT is no longer the premier college basketball tournament, its rich history and significance remain, especially as it provides a competitive platform for teams not selected for the NCAA tournament. Its evolution, particularly in terms of field size and ownership, showcases its journey from the pinnacle of college basketball to a respected, but secondary, event today.
2 thoughts on “NIT Tournament: A Legacy of Change and Competition”