NIT 2025: Key Insights and Tournament Format Revealed

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The 2025 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) is set to begin on Tuesday, March 18, with a full bracket of 32 teams. This year’s tournament kicks off with first-round games and will culminate in the semifinals and championship at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. The bracket was revealed on Sunday, March 16, after the NCAA Tournament selections.

The top four seeds in the NIT include SMU, Dayton, San Francisco, and UC Irvine. These teams earned their places based on regular-season performance, making them strong candidates for the championship.

This season, the NIT adopts a modified eligibility format. According to the official announcement, 16 teams will be considered “exempt,” including the top two teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Southeastern Conference (SEC) not selected for the NCAA Tournament. The other 12 exempt spots will be filled by the highest-ranking teams from the top 12 conferences.

The remaining 16 spots will be for automatic bids awarded to conference champions with a “KNIT” score of 125 or better and at-large bids for strong teams that did not qualify for March Madness.

All NIT games will be hosted on college campuses, unlike the NCAA Tournament. Fans can follow the tournament through the NIT’s social media platforms, as the bracket will not be released through traditional television or streaming channels.

The seminar and championship games will take place at Hinkle Fieldhouse on April 1 and April 3, respectively. This marks the second consecutive year the final rounds will be hosted at this historic venue, home to the Butler Bulldogs.

The opening round features teams competing in various venues, setting the stage for an exciting tournament. The first National Invitation Tournament took place in 1938, and teams are now looking to add their names to the prestigious list of past champions.

This year’s NIT promises to deliver thrilling moments and compelling matchups as teams vie for the championship title. As the tournament approaches, excitement is building among fans and players alike.