CBI cancels 2026 tournament, vows to return

Field Level Media|published: Fri 13th March, 14:33 2026

NCAA Basketball: Cincinnati at Texas Tech

Feb 24, 2026; Lubbock, Texas, USA; A general view of the game ball at the net in the second half of the game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Texas Tech Red Raiders at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

The College Basketball Invitational men's postseason tournament will not be held this year after organizers announced the 16-team event scheduled for March 21-25 was canceled.

"Due to circumstances beyond our control, the CBI will not be held this year," the CBI announced in a brief statement on X.

The CBI intends to return, saying in its statement: "We will see you next year!"

The CBI is a third-tier men's event behind the NCAA Tournament and the NIT. It has been contested since 2008, aside from 2020 when it was canceled during the pandemic.

Prior to 2020, teams played on their home courts through the championship game. Since 2021, the event has been held exclusively at Daytona Beach, Fla.

Illinois State won the 2025 event, with Seattle, Charlotte, UNC Wilmington and Pepperdine all winning titles since the event was moved to Daytona Beach.

--Field Level Media