No NCAA Tournament means more basketball for some college basketball teams.
It’s heartbreaking not to be a part of it March madnessbut those who narrowly missed out on a place in the group don’t have to see their season end with more playoff tournaments. THE SLOW is the most famous example, and there is also the College basketball crown.
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MANDATORY READING: Selection Sunday live updates: March Madness bracket reveal is here
However, the disappointment of not making the NCAA tournament is now too much. College basketball has changed dramatically with so much player and coaching movement that there isn’t as much desire to continue playing if you aren’t fortunate enough to win a national championship. The NIT used to be a solid second option, but several teams now choose not to participate.
So, who has refused NIT so far? Here’s every team that decides to end its season rather than participate in the College Basketball Invitational.
Virginia Tech Hokies guard Jailen Bedford (0) scores as Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward Juke Harris (2) defends in the second half at Spectrum Center.
Teams will opt out of the 2026 NIT tournament
Listing as of 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 15
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Teams will announce they are declining NIT
Belmont
The Missouri Valley Conference regular season champion was awarded an automatic berth in the NIT, but refused it on March 14. The Bruins finished 26-6 but coach Casey Alexander left and took the job at Kansas State.
Virginia Tech
The first team to announce that it was not participating in the NIT was Virginia Tech. He made the decision Friday, March 13 after losing in the first round of the ACC tournament to finish the season 19-13.
This article was originally published on USA TODAY: Who refused the NIT? Full list of teams withdrawing from the tournament
