College basketball’s postseason features two major tournaments: the NCAA Tournament, also known as “March Madness,” and the National Invitation Tournament (NIT).
While March Madness dominates headlines, the NIT provides a competitive alternative for teams that miss out on the NCAA Tournament. Both tournaments contribute to the sport’s postseason excitement, but their prestige selection process and impact differ significantly. But what are the biggest differences between the two tournaments?
Historical Context and Tournament Evolution
When the NIT launched in 1938, it was the most prestigious college basketball tournament. The tournament brought together top national teams at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY, and functioned as the leading postseason championship of its time.
When it enlarged its reach, the NCAA Tournament acquired precedence through television exposure, which caused the NIT to lose its esteemed position. Throughout the 1970s and 80s, March Madness solidified its place as the top event in college basketball.
A significant shift occurred in 2005 when the NCAA purchased the NIT, fully integrating it into college basketball’s postseason structure. This acquisition ensured the NIT remained relevant and solidified its position as a secondary competition.
The NIT acts differently than March Madness by selecting non-NCAA Tournament teams, but it never determines a national champion.
March Madness selects 68 teams through automatic qualifiers and at-large selections totaling 32 and 36, respectively. Meanwhile, the NIT has 32 teams and is made up of conference regular-season champions who did not advance in their tournaments, alongside at-large picks.
Impact on Teams and Players
For teams that qualify for March Madness, the benefits are immense. The tournament attracts national media coverage, enhances recruitment, and generates significant revenue for participating schools.
Players who shine in March Madness can dramatically boost their NBA draft stock with scouts closely monitoring performances in high-pressure situations. Winning the NCAA Tournament cements a team’s legacy, making it the ultimate goal in college basketball.
The NIT, while not as high-profile, offers valuable postseason experience. It provides additional games for developing teams, allowing younger rosters to gain crucial experience in a competitive environment. Seniors who missed out on March Madness get an opportunity to extend their college careers.
Various college programs have utilized NIT victories to launch successful follow-up NCAA tournament campaigns, including Wichita State and VCU.
March Madness follows a nationwide neutral site policy, but the NIT begins with matchups that enable teams to play at their home court before moving the competition to a neutral venue for the semifinal and final rounds.
RELATED: Why Some Teams Prefer the NIT Over March Madness
Both March Madness and the NIT serve distinct but important roles in college basketball’s postseason.
March Madness is the premier competition, providing distinguished status, publicity, and the opportunity to vie for a national championship title. Although secondary to March Madness, the NIT lets 32 more programs continue their season and develop through gameplay at the end of the year.
The NIT Tournament gives valuable opportunities for both players and teams to improve their future performance, even though the NCAA Tournament remains the ultimate goal.
Together these tournaments create a more inclusive and dynamic postseason ensuring that college basketball remains exciting well beyond the regular season.
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