Andrew Pace
The first-ever National Invitation Tournament (NIT) was held in 1938, one year before the first NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. The NIT was founded by the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association and was originally a 6-team tournament played at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan. The Temple University Owls won the inaugural tournament, beating the Colorado Buffaloes in the final. The NIT predated the NCAA tournament by a year and was considered the most prestigious post-season showcase for college basketball before its status was overtaken in the mid-1950s by the NCAA tournament.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of the first National Invitation Tournament (NIT) | 1938 |
| Number of teams in the first NIT | 6 |
| Location of the first NIT | Madison Square Garden, New York City |
| Winner of the first NIT | Temple University Owls |
| Runner-up of the first NIT | Colorado Buffaloes |
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What You'll Learn
The first NIT was held in 1938, predating the NCAA tournament
The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) is an annual men's college basketball tournament. The first NIT was held in 1938, predating the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament by one year. The NIT was founded by the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association, one year after the NAIA tournament was created by basketball's inventor, Dr. James Naismith. The tournament invited six teams to compete, with all games played at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan. The Temple University Owls won the first NIT, beating the Colorado Buffaloes.
From its founding in 1938 until 2022, the semifinals and finals of the NIT were played at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Since 2023, all rounds of the tournament have been played at various sites across the country, which are selected annually. The NIT was considered the most prestigious post-season tournament for college basketball before its status was superseded in the mid-1950s by the NCAA tournament.
The NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament has been held annually since 1939, except for 2020 when it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first NCAA tournament was organized by the National Association of Basketball Coaches and featured eight teams. Oregon beat Ohio State in the final to become the first NCAA tournament champion.
In the 1940s, the NIT was the most glamorous of the post-season tournaments and generally featured better teams. The winner of the NIT was often regarded as the national champion, even though the NCAA tournament had a titular national champion. Several teams played in both the NIT and NCAA tournaments in the same year, with Colorado and Duquesne doing so in 1940.
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The Temple University Owls were the first winners
The first-ever National Invitation Tournament (NIT) was won by the Temple University Owls. The NIT is an annual men's college basketball tournament, and the first edition took place in 1938, one year before the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. The Temple University Owls beat the Colorado Buffaloes to claim the inaugural championship.
The NIT was founded by the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association and predates the NCAA tournament by one year. From its inception in 1938 until 2022, the semifinals and finals were always played at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The tournament was considered the most prestigious post-season showcase for college basketball before its status was overtaken in the mid-1950s by the NCAA tournament.
The Temple University Owls' victory in the first NIT tournament set the tone for a competition that has since offered a platform for many talented college basketball teams. The Owls' success in the initial tournament helped establish the NIT as a significant event in the college basketball calendar.
The Owls' triumph in the first NIT holds historical significance, as it marked the beginning of a tradition of intense competition and the pursuit of excellence in college basketball. Their win also set a precedent for the high level of play and excitement that the NIT would become known for in the years to come. The Owls' victory is a testament to the talent and determination of the team, and it remains a memorable moment in the early history of college basketball tournaments.
The Temple University Owls' achievement as the first winners of the NIT is a reminder of the rich history and tradition associated with college basketball in the United States. Their success laid the foundation for the tournament to grow and evolve, eventually expanding to include more teams and capturing the imagination of fans across the country. The Owls' victory will forever be etched in the annals of basketball history, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of the NIT.
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NIT games were played at Madison Square Garden until 2022
The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) is an annual men's college basketball tournament operated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The first NIT tournament was held in 1938, a year before the first NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. The NIT predates the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament by one year and was considered the most prestigious post-season showcase for college basketball before its status was superseded in the mid-1950s by the NCAA tournament.
From its founding in 1938 until 2022, the semifinals and finals of the NIT were always played at Madison Square Garden (MSG) in New York City. The entire tournament was held at MSG until 1977, when the early rounds were shifted to campus and regional sites. The tournament was held in its entirety at MSG for almost four decades, solidifying its reputation as the "World's Most Famous Arena."
The NIT was founded by the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association, one year before the inception of the NAIA tournament and the NCAA tournament. In its early years, the NIT was the most glamorous of the post-season tournaments, often attracting better teams than the NCAA tournament. The winner of the NIT was often regarded as more of a national champion than the winner of the NCAA tournament. This prestige was partly due to the location of the tournament in New York City, which was then the center of the press in the United States, ensuring that the NIT received extensive media coverage.
However, in 2023, it was announced that the NIT semifinals and finals would be moved away from Madison Square Garden and New York City. The 2023 NIT was held at the Orleans Arena in Paradise, Nevada, and the 2024 tournament will be hosted by Butler University's Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. While the NIT has traditionally been associated with Madison Square Garden, the decision to move the later rounds of the tournament to different locations reflects a desire to explore new venues and expand the tournament's reach.
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The NIT is now for teams that don't make the NCAA tournament
The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) is an annual men's college basketball tournament operated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The first NIT tournament was held in 1938, a year before the first NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. The NIT predates the NCAA tournament and was originally considered the most prestigious post-season tournament for college basketball.
Over time, the NCAA tournament gained popularity and superseded the NIT as the premier showcase for college basketball. The NCAA tournament expanded its field to include more teams, while the NIT remained a smaller tournament. Today, the NIT is often seen as a consolation prize for teams that do not qualify for the NCAA tournament.
The NIT has struggled to maintain its relevance in recent years, with some teams opting not to participate. The NCAA's decision to stop awarding automatic NIT bids to regular-season champions who lost in their conference tournaments has also contributed to the decline in interest in the NIT. Additionally, the rise of the transfer portal has made it easier for players and coaches to move between teams, reducing the incentive to participate in the NIT.
Despite these challenges, the NIT still offers opportunities for teams to develop their players and build momentum for the following season. It also provides a platform for teams that might not otherwise receive national television exposure. While the NIT may not have the same prestige as the NCAA tournament, it continues to be a competitive tournament that showcases the talent and determination of its participating teams.
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The 2025 NIT was won by the Chattanooga Mocs
The 2025 NIT (National Invitation Tournament) was won by the Chattanooga Mocs, who defeated the University of California–Irvine Anteaters 85–84 in a thrilling overtime finish. This was the Mocs' first NIT title, and the victory tied the program record for most wins in a single season. Forward Garrison Keeslar was the hero, hitting a game-winning jump shot with just 11 seconds left on the clock. Guard Trey Bonham was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament, contributing 19 points and 10 rebounds, as well as a half-court buzzer beater to end the first half. The Anteaters came agonizingly close, but ultimately fell short after missing a layup in the dying seconds.
The 2025 NIT was a single-elimination tournament featuring 32 NCAA Division I men's college basketball teams that did not qualify for the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The tournament began on March 18 and concluded on April 3, with the first three rounds played at various campus sites. The semifinal and final rounds were held at the iconic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Six programs made their debut in this edition of the NIT: Cal State Northridge, Jacksonville State, North Alabama, Northern Colorado, Samford, and UC Riverside.
The Chattanooga Mocs' triumph in the 2025 NIT adds to the rich history of the tournament, which was founded in 1938, a year before the inaugural NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. The NIT was initially considered the most prestigious post-season tournament for college basketball, boasting the best teams and even outshining the NCAA tournament in terms of glamour and prestige. However, the mid-1950s marked a shift, with the NCAA tournament superseding the NIT in popularity and stature.
Despite the changing fortunes of the two tournaments, the NIT has maintained its significance. It continues to provide an opportunity for teams that fall short of the NCAA Tournament to showcase their talent and compete for a championship. The 2025 NIT was no exception, with the Chattanooga Mocs etching their names into the tournament's history books and capping off a memorable campaign.
The NIT has a long and illustrious tradition, and the 2025 edition served as a reminder that, while the NCAA Tournament may grab the headlines, the NIT still holds a special place in college basketball and can produce its own magical moments and Cinderella stories.
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Frequently asked questions
The first men's NIT basketball tournament, or the National Invitation Tournament, was founded in 1938.
The Temple University Owls won the first NIT tournament, beating the Colorado Buffaloes.
The first tournament was held at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, New York.
The original tournament had six teams.
The men's NIT basketball tournament is held annually.
