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CBI Cancels 2026 Basketball Tournament
Organizers cite "circumstances beyond our control" for the first cancellation in the event's history.
Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:08pm
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The College Basketball Invitational (CBI), a secondary postseason tournament for college basketball teams that do not qualify for the NCAA Tournament or NIT, announced that the 2026 edition of the event has been cancelled. This marks the first time in the CBI's history, which dates back to 2008, that the tournament will not be held.
Why it matters
The CBI has provided an additional opportunity for college basketball teams to compete in the postseason, especially those that fall short of making the more prestigious NCAA Tournament. The cancellation of the 2026 CBI raises questions about the future viability of the event and the options available for teams that miss out on the Big Dance.
The details
The CBI organizers cited "circumstances beyond our control" as the reason for the 2026 cancellation. The tournament has crowned a different champion each year since its inaugural edition in 2008, with past MVPs including players who went on to the NBA such as Tulsa's Jerome Jordan and Illinois State's Jaylen Sims. The CBI has served as a supplemental postseason option alongside the NIT and the newer College Basketball Crown tournament.
- The CBI was founded in 2008.
- The 2026 tournament has been cancelled, marking the first time the event will not be held.
The players
Jerome Jordan
The inaugural CBI MVP who played in the NBA with the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets.
Jaylen Sims
The most recent CBI MVP, who led Illinois State to the 2025 championship.
What’s next
The CBI organizers have stated that they expect the tournament to resume in 2027 after the one-year hiatus.
The takeaway
The cancellation of the 2026 CBI tournament highlights the challenges facing secondary college basketball postseason events, as the NCAA Tournament remains the clear priority for teams and fans alike. However, the CBI's history of providing opportunities for lesser-known programs and future NBA talent suggests it may return in the future if the circumstances allow.
