The Decline of the NIT: Is the Tournament Still Worthy?

📉The NIT has declined in importance and popularity over the years, and more teams are declining NIT invites.

💔The rise of the transfer portal has made it less advantageous for teams to play in the NIT.

🏆The NIT used to be a prestigious tournament, but it has lost its prestige and relevance over time.

🔀Teams like Indiana and Memphis are declining NIT invites to focus on recruiting in the transfer portal.

🏀The NIT may become even more irrelevant if more big programs decline invites, affecting smaller tournaments as well.

Why are more teams declining NIT invites?

—Teams are declining NIT invites due to the rise of the transfer portal and the lack of prestige in the tournament.

What is the transfer portal?

—The transfer portal is an NCAA system that allows student-athletes to explore transferring to other schools without first obtaining permission from their current school.

Was the NIT once a prestigious tournament?

—Yes, the NIT used to be the biggest tournament in college basketball and was played in Madison Square Garden. Winning the NIT was considered a big achievement.

Why are big programs like Indiana and Memphis declining NIT invites?

—These programs are focused on recruiting in the transfer portal and see the NIT as less important and advantageous for their goals.

Will the decline of the NIT affect other tournaments?

—Yes, if more big programs decline NIT invites, it may affect the viewership and relevance of smaller tournaments as well.

00:00The NIT, once a prestigious college basketball tournament, has declined in importance and popularity over the years.

02:23Teams like Indiana and Memphis are declining NIT invites to focus on recruiting in the transfer portal.

05:20The decline of the NIT may have implications for other tournaments as well.

07:52The NIT may become even more irrelevant if more big programs decline invites.