Unprecedented Changes for 2024 NIT Tournament: Seton Hall, Wake Forest, Indiana State, and Villanova Secure No. 1 Seeds

Seton Hall, Wake Forest, Indiana State, and Villanova have clinched the coveted No. 1 seeds for this year’s 2024 NIT tournament, marking an era of major changes and intense competition.

Following the release of the 32-team field on Sunday, action is set to kick off on Tuesday at various campus sites before heading to Indianapolis for the semifinals on April 2 and the championship game on April 4.

In a bid to revamp the NIT format, the NCAA has introduced a new qualification system. The top two teams in the NET rankings from six major conferences – ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Pac-12, and SEC – that didn’t make it to the NCAA Tournament, will automatically secure bids and get to host first-round games.

Several prominent programs such as Oklahoma, Pitt, St. John's, and Indiana, declined their NIT invitations after missing out on the NCAA Tournament, following the footsteps of last year’s preseason No. 1, North Carolina.

Historically, the NIT semifinals and final games were held at Madison Square Garden. However, the NCAA initiated a bidding process in 2023, allowing several cities to vie for the opportunity to host the event, with Indianapolis being the chosen location for this year.

The clash for the tournament kicks off on Tuesday with games throughout various home arenas before proceeding to determining the ultimate champion at Hinkle Fieldhouse.