NIT Tournament 2026: Schedule, Bracket, Odds To Win NIT Championship
Just hours after the 2026 March Madness bracket was unveiled on Sunday evening, the NCAA followed it up by announcing the full 2026 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) bracket and schedule.
While the NIT doesn’t quite generate the same nationwide buzz as the NCAA Tournament, it still provides teams with a chance to extend their season, compete for a postseason title, and build momentum heading into next year. For many programs, it’s also an opportunity for younger players to gain valuable postseason experience.
The 2026 NIT features four regional brackets, with teams battling through campus-site games before the tournament heads to Indianapolis for the semifinals and championship.
2026 NIT Tournament – First Round Matchups
Auburn Region
- (1) Auburn vs. South Alabama
- (4) Seattle U vs. St. Thomas (MN)
- (3) George Mason vs. Liberty
- (2) Nevada vs. Murray State
Albuquerque Region
- (1) New Mexico vs. Sam Houston
- (4) Utah Valley vs. George Washington
- (3) Colorado State vs. St. Joseph’s
- (2) California vs. UIC
Winston-Salem Region
- (1) Wake Forest vs. Navy
- (4) Illinois State vs. Kent State
- (3) Yale vs. UNCW
- (2) Dayton vs. Bradley
Tulsa Region
- (1) Tulsa vs. Stephen F. Austin (SFA)
- (4) UC Irvine vs. UNLV
- (3) Wichita State vs. Wyoming
- (2) Oklahoma State vs. Davidson
2026 NIT Tournament Schedule
The 88th edition of the NIT will run from March 17 through April 5, with early rounds hosted at campus sites before the event moves to Indianapolis for the final stages.
- First Round: Tuesday, March 17 & Wednesday, March 18 (Campus Sites)
- Second Round: Saturday, March 21 & Sunday, March 22 (Campus Sites)
- Quarterfinals: Tuesday, March 24 & Wednesday, March 25 (Campus Sites)
- National Semifinals: Thursday, April 2 – Hinkle Fieldhouse (Indianapolis)
- NIT Championship: Sunday, April 5 – Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis)
Notably, this year’s NIT Championship will take place during Final Four weekend, marking the first time the title game coincides with college basketball’s biggest stage.
How to Watch the 2026 NIT Tournament
If you’re trying to keep track of both March Madness and the NIT, you may need a viewing schedule handy. The 2026 NIT Tournament will air across the ESPN family of networks, making it easy for fans to catch the action as teams battle their way through the bracket.
With postseason pride on the line and a championship trophy waiting in Indianapolis, the NIT once again provides plenty of competitive college basketball for fans to enjoy.
Be sure to click on the official NIT tweet below to check out the matchups and bracket settings. You can also click here to see the full bracket. Odd to win the NIT Tournament will be added as soon as they become available.
