FOX Sports reveals College Basketball Crown tournament in 2025

Field Level Media|published: Wed 3rd April, 17:49 2024

Indiana State Sycamores center Robbie Avila (21) goes in for a lay-up against Utah Utes guard Deivon Smith (5) on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, during the NIT semifinals at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana State Sycamores defeated the Utah Utes, 100-90. credits: Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Fox Sports plans to serve up basketball leftovers in the 2025 postseason with the introduction of a new tournament designed to compete with the NIT for non-NCAA Tournament teams.

Dubbed the College Basketball Crown, the tournament will be a 16-team event taking place March 31 through April 6, 2025, in Las Vegas.

The format includes automatic bids for two Big Ten, Big 12 and Big East teams and is open to any team not invited to the NCAA Tournament.

"Postseason college basketball is one of the most exciting times of year and FOX Sports is proud to be at the forefront of efforts to evolve and elevate the sport," Fox Sports executive vice president Jordan Bazant said in a statement. "Alongside AEG and the Big Ten, Big 12 and Big East, we are thrilled to provide more opportunities for student-athletes to compete in high quality postseason college hoops and for viewers to enjoy the chase for the College Basketball Crown."

The 32-team NIT takes place at the same time as the NCAA Tournament, typically starting two days after Selection Sunday, and is run by the NCAA.

Last month, as many as 10 teams declined NIT offers. The 2024 NIT ends Thursday with a championship game in Indianapolis between Indiana State and Seton Hall.

—Field Level Media