Amanda Knapp
The CBI, or College Basketball Invitational, is a postseason men's college basketball tournament. It is a single-elimination, fully-bracketed tournament that features teams not selected to participate in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, the National Invitation Tournament, or the College Basketball Crown. The CBI has been played annually since 2008, except in 2020. While it provides teams with a chance to extend their season, the CBI is often unpopular among higher-profile teams due to the stigma of playing in a tertiary tournament.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
CBI is a lower-tier college basketball tournament
The CBI, or College Basketball Invitational, is a lower-tier college basketball tournament. It is a single-elimination, fully-bracketed men's college basketball postseason tournament. The CBI was first held in 2008 and has been played annually since, except in 2020. The tournament is open to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I teams that are not selected to participate in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), or the College Basketball Crown (CBC).
The CBI is considered a lower-tier tournament because it falls behind the more prestigious NCAA Tournament and NIT. It offers a chance for teams that did not qualify for those tournaments to continue their season and compete for a championship. The CBI typically features 16 teams from across the country, although the 2025 edition featured 11 teams. The tournament is fully bracketed, with a single-elimination format.
The CBI has faced some criticism and stigma due to its lower tier status. Some higher-profile teams and athletic directors have declined invitations to the CBI, considering it beneath their status. However, the tournament provides valuable opportunities for teams to gain experience, build momentum, and compete against similar-level opponents. It also offers fans additional games to watch and follow.
The CBI has had various television partnerships over the years. The inaugural tournament was broadcast on DirecTV, Fox Sports Net, and the official website. Subsequent tournaments were broadcast on HDNet (later AXS) and CBS Sports Network. Since 2016, the CBI Championship Series has been exclusively televised on ESPN and ESPNU.
Basketball's Early Days in India: Origins and Growth
You may want to see also
Explore related products
CBI is for teams not selected for the NCAA Tournament
The College Basketball Invitational (CBI) is a men's college basketball postseason tournament that features National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I teams. The CBI is an opportunity for teams not selected for the NCAA Tournament, the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), or the College Basketball Crown (CBC) to continue their season. The CBI is often unpopular among higher-profile teams due to the stigma of playing in a tertiary tournament.
The CBI usually consists of 16 teams, although the 2025 edition featured 11 teams. The tournament is fully bracketed, with single-elimination gameplay. The CBI introduced NIL funding of $40,000 in 2023, to be distributed as follows: $25,000 to the champion, $10,000 to the runner-up, and $2,500 to each semifinalist.
The CBI was first held in 2008, making it the first new postseason tournament since the Collegiate Commissioners Association Tournament in 1974. The 2008 tournament was won by Tulsa, while Illinois State claimed the title in 2025. The CBI has helped teams like Loyola Chicago, Nevada, North Texas, and Wyoming launch themselves into becoming NCAA tournament mainstays.
The CBI has had several television partnerships over the years, with games being broadcast on DirecTV, Fox Sports Net, HDNet (now AXS), CBS Sports Network, and ESPNU.
Starting a Youth Basketball Nonprofit: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
CBI has been held annually since 2008, except in 2020
The College Basketball Invitational (CBI) is a men's college basketball postseason tournament. It is often seen as a tertiary tournament, and less popular than the NCAA Tournament and National Invitation Tournament (NIT). CBI has been held annually since 2008, except in 2020. The 2008 College Basketball Invitational was the first new postseason tournament since the Collegiate Commissioners Association Tournament in 1974. The tournament is a chance for teams to continue their season, and it offers an opportunity for those not selected for the NCAA tournament to compete and showcase their skills.
The CBI is a single-elimination, fully-bracketed tournament featuring teams not selected to participate in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, the NIT, or the College Basketball Crown (CBC). The tournament usually features 16 teams from across the country, although the 2025 edition featured 11 teams. The 2025 tournament was held from March 22 to 26 at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. Illinois State defeated Cleveland State by a score of 79-68 to claim their first NCAA Division I postseason title.
The CBI has had several broadcast partners over the years. The inaugural tournament in 2008 was broadcast on DirecTV, Fox Sports Net, and the official website. From 2009 to 2013, the tournament was broadcast on HDNet (later AXS). CBS Sports Network televised the 2014 and 2015 tournaments. In 2016, the CBI announced an exclusive television partnership with ESPN to broadcast the Championship Series. ESPNU televised the best-of-three Championship Series from 2016 to 2019.
Despite the stigma associated with playing in a tertiary tournament, the CBI offers several benefits to participating teams. It provides additional experience for young players, the potential to gain momentum for the following season, and more games for fans to enjoy. Some higher-profile teams, such as Indiana Hoosiers, have declined invitations to the CBI in the past due to the perceived stigma. However, for many teams, the CBI presents a valuable opportunity to extend their season and compete against other talented teams.
Championship Basketball: High School Rules Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
CBI games are televised and streamed online
The College Basketball Invitational (CBI) is a men's college basketball tournament that was created in 2007 by The Gazelle Group. The CBI is a single-elimination tournament, with a few exceptions prior to 2021, and takes place after the conclusion of the men's college basketball regular season. The CBI selects sixteen teams that are not selected for the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament or the National Invitation Tournament (NIT).
Several online streaming platforms offer live coverage of the games. These include ESPN+, CBS All Access, YouTube TV, and Sling TV. Additionally, some official broadcasters may stream the games on their websites or mobile apps. It is important to note that access to the CBI Tournament and the availability of streaming options may vary depending on your location and cable/satellite provider.
In the past, the CBI Tournament has been televised by prominent broadcasters such as ESPN, CBS Sports Network, and HDNet (now AXS). These broadcasters have offered comprehensive coverage, including live game broadcasts, analysis, and highlights.
The Olympic Basketball Shot Clock: How Much Time?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
CBI 2025 was a single-elimination tournament
The College Basketball Invitational (CBI) is a postseason men's college basketball tournament. The CBI 2025 was a single-elimination, fully-bracketed tournament that featured eleven National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I teams. These teams were not selected to participate in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), or the College Basketball Crown (CBC). The CBI is one of four postseason tournaments, and its field is strictly made up of mid-major programs.
The CBI 2025 was the 17th edition of the tournament and took place from March 22 to March 26. All games were played at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. The first and quarterfinal rounds were streamed on FloCollege, the semifinal round was telecast on ESPNU, and the final telecast on ESPN2.
Illinois State and Cleveland State faced off in the final, with Illinois State claiming their first NCAA Division I postseason title with a score of 79-68. The all-tournament team consisted of Ty Pence and Chase Walker (Illinois State), Jordan Pyke (Incarnate Word), Jalen Rucker (Army), and Tahj Staveskie (Cleveland State).
The CBI has been a popular tournament since its inception, providing teams with an opportunity to extend their season. However, it is often unpopular among higher-profile teams due to the stigma of playing in a tertiary tournament.
High School Basketball Tryouts: How Long Do They Last?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
CBI stands for College Basketball Invitational. It is a men's college basketball postseason tournament.
The CBI tournament started in 2008 and has been played every year since except in 2020.
The 2025 CBI tournament was played at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida.
The CBI tournament is a single-elimination, fully-bracketed tournament featuring 16 teams from across the country.
