The NIT’s selection process has undergone another transformation ahead of the 2025 season, bringing 16 bids for “exempt” teams based on specific criteria related to conference affiliation and advanced metrics. This is the second consecutive season that the NIT has revamped its access criteria, aiming to solidify its relevance in an ever-changing postseason environment.

This adjustment is in light of the launch of the College Basketball Crown, a new postseason tournament set to commence in the 2024-25 season. The Crown event will feature 16 teams and award automatic bids to the top two non-NCAA Tournament teams from the Big Ten, Big 12, and Big East, with the remainder of the bracket filled out by committee decisions.

The NIT will now also offer four automatic or “exempt” spots to the top two non-NCAA Tournament teams from both the ACC and SEC. Following this allocation, the additional 12 exempt teams will consist of the highest-ranked non-NCAA Tournament teams from the nation’s top 12 conferences.

The entire 32-team NIT field will be revealed on social media by the NIT after the NCAA Tournament finalizes its field selections.

This year’s changes are designed to expand opportunities and maintain hosting rights for low- and mid-major schools, in response to prior criticisms about limiting access for teams that excelled in regular seasons but fell short in conference tournaments. The new selection guidelines should help level the playing field while addressing competition from the Crown event.