Story perspectives

CBI Cancels 2026 Tournament; Crown Emerges as Key Alternative

3/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

The College Basketball Invitational (CBI) canceled its 2026 tournament due to "circumstances beyond our control."
This leaves the College Basketball Crown as the only men's postseason tournament besides the NCAA and NIT.
The CBI, held since 2008, saw participation decline from 16 teams to 11 last year and was previously canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Despite this setback, the CBI plans to return in 2024.
The Crown offers name, image, and likeness payments, attracting teams not qualifying for the NCAA tournament.

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Story summary

The College Basketball Invitational (CBI) canceled its 2026 tournament due to "circumstances beyond our control."
This leaves the College Basketball Crown as the only men's postseason tournament besides the NCAA and NIT.
The CBI, held since 2008, saw participation decline from 16 teams to 11 last year and was previously canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Despite this setback, the CBI plans to return in 2024.
The Crown offers name, image, and likeness payments, attracting teams not qualifying for the NCAA tournament.