NIT Revamps Selection Format for 2024, Ends Automatic Bids for Regular-Season Conference Champions

New Format Prioritizes Top Two Non-NCAA Teams from Six Major Conferences Amid Concerns Over Reduction of Mid-Majors Participation

The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) will no longer give automatic bids to regular-season conference winners who do not gain entry into the NCAA tournament. Instead, it will ensure the inclusion of two top-ranked teams from each of six major conferences.
Teams will be selected based on the NET rankings, irrespective of their win-loss records. The 12 selected teams will also get the opportunity to host a first-round game in the NIT.
The rest of the 32-team field will be filled by the NIT choosing 'the 20 best teams available'. Preference for hosting the first-round games will be given to the 'first four teams out' of the NCAA tournament.
New rules agreed upon by the NIT Board and NCAA Men's Basketball Rules Committee will be in effect for the 2024 tournament, including the widening of the free throw lane from 12 feet to 16 feet, matching the width used by the NBA and FIBA. Modified timeout format for the second half of games will also continue.
There is concern that the new selection format will disadvantage mid-majors and smaller schools, offering more advantages to non-qualifying Power 6 teams which already carry strength due to deeper financial resources and elevated competition schedules.