11 teams turned down the invite this season.

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/article/11-mens-college-basketball-teams-150654339.html

"This list doesn't include Boise State, Butler, Georgetown and Villanova, all of which declined NIT bids to participate in the inaugural (and controversial) College Basketball Crown tournament"

I think they should’ve along time ago. Being a UK fan I thought the Cats should’ve said no in 2013. Someone is making money or it wouldn’t be a thing.

With the new College Basketball Crown event being hosted in Vegas by FOX, the NIT lost some big name programs. With the exception of Oklahoma State, all the teams from leagues tied to FOX (Big 10, Big East, Big 12) went to the Vegas tournament. The NIT was left with a glorified mid-major event, which can still be good basketball, but will draw little interest. I think the NIT lost whatever cachet it had remaining when the final four left Madison Square Garden.

1 hour ago, gchs_uk9 said:

With the new College Basketball Crown event being hosted in Vegas by FOX, the NIT lost some big name programs. With the exception of Oklahoma State, all the teams from leagues tied to FOX (Big 10, Big East, Big 12) went to the Vegas tournament. The NIT was left with a glorified mid-major event, which can still be good basketball, but will draw little interest. I think the NIT lost whatever cachet it had remaining when the final four left Madison Square Garden.

I went to the Final Four in MSG one year and it was still an extremely cool experience. Definitely think there's something to your point there.