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CBI Cancels 2026 Tournament, Citing “Circumstances Beyond Our Control”

The move signals strain from shrinking fields, NIL costs, roster churn, plus uncertain commercial support.

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO - FEBRUARY 04: A basketball with a New Mexico Lobos logo stamped on it is placed on a basketball rack before a game at The Pit on February 04, 2026 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
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Nevada's D.J. Fenner celebrates after defeating Morehead State during their College Basketball Invitational tournament championship game at Lawlor Events Center in Reno on April 1, 2016.
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Overview

  • The cancellation, announced March 12 on social media, is the event’s first non-pandemic stoppage since its 2008 debut.
  • The Gazelle Group, which has operated the CBI since 2008, has not provided further explanation beyond the brief statement.
  • Participation has waned from the traditional 16-team field to 14 in 2024 and 11 in 2025, with recent editions staged at Daytona Beach’s Ocean Center.
  • The CBI shifted in 2023 from requiring entry fees to providing NIL funding, reflecting evolving finances for tertiary postseason play.
  • With the CBI idle, postseason options now center on the NCAA Tournament, the NIT, and the College Basketball Crown, which offers NIL payouts and has reduced its 2026 field to eight.