NIT selection criteria changed for 2024-25 season

The NCAA has announced a new selection process for the NIT for the 2024-25 season, changing the criteria for the second consecutive year. This year, 16 bids will be given to "exempt" teams based on conference affiliation and advanced metrics. The NIT will now award four automatic spots to the top two non-NCAA Tournament teams from the ACC and SEC. The remaining 12 exempt teams will come from the highest-ranked non-NCAA Tournament teams in the top 12 conferences, as determined by various metrics. Previously, the NIT granted automatic bids to regular-season conference champions who did not make the NCAA Tournament. The new criteria aim to provide more opportunities for low- and mid-major schools, despite the competition from the new College Basketball Crown tournament.