Report: NIT to find new championship venue beyond 2022 tournament

A surprising report Wednesday detailed the NIT will not be returning to its traditional championship venue of Madison Square Garden next year. Since 1938, the National Invitation Tournament has held their semifinal and final games at the legendary arena in New York. NIT officials and Madison Square Garden management were unable to reach an agreement for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, forcing the tournament to move elsewhere for the immediate future.

NIT venue change

“The NIT semis and finals will not be held in Madison Square Garden in 2023 and 2024, ending a run there that began in 1938,” stated ESPN’s Pete Thamel. “The next two years are out for bid, with destinations ranging from historic venues like Hinkle Fieldhouse to more resort destinations like Vegas.”

The NIT moving from it’s traditional home is certainly a shock as the tournament has called Madison Square Garden home since it began in 1938. The NIT is the oldest postseason tournament in college basketball, and was held entirely at The Garden until 1977 when they moved the earlier rounds of the tournament to be held at campus sites. The semifinals and finals continued to be held in the arena nicknamed the “Mecca of Basketball.”

Like many traditions in sports across the nation, the NIT hit a rocky patch with the rise of COVID-19 and its impact on New York. The 2020 tournament had to be cancelled due to the pandemic, while the 2021 tournament was moved from New York and held with a reduced playing field as COVID-19 policies restricted the event.

This season, the tournament is making its return to New York in grand fashion, although now it appears the reunion will be short-lived. Two teams have punched their tickets to the semifinals this year in Xavier and St. Bonaventure, who will play on March 29. Four teams will battle for the final two spots on Wednesday night — Texas A&M and Wake Forest will meet the winner of Washington State and BYU’s matchup.