Announced a year ago. The thought was, too many (bigger name) programs were passing on the NIT so FOX Sports guaranteed the B1G, Big East & B12 their top 2 teams left out of the NCAA tournament are guaranteed a spot in the Crown.
Indiana & Ohio State would be the top 2 left out and neither are listed in the NIT. Next in order are Rutgers, Ioa, Minnesota then Nebraska. Breaking it down; Indiana, Ioa & Minnesota don't have a Head Coach so my assumption is the next 2 would be Rutgers & Nebraska.
After the 6 guaranteed above, 10 at-large will be selected.
The NCAA only protects the NCAA tournament. In other words, a team invited to the NCAA tournament can't turn down a spot to play in another post-season tournament. The NIT isn't covered by this, so teams can turn down the NIT & accept a spot in the Crown tournament.
The Crown tournament starts & ends within a week, all played in Vegas and on FOX or FS1
- First round: Monday, March 31 and Tuesday, April 1
- Second round: Wednesday, April 2 and Thursday, April 3
- Semifinals: Saturday, April 5 (1:30 p.m. ET and 4 p.m. ET)
- Final: Sunday, April 6 (5:30 p.m. ET)