History of College Basketball Invitational in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 13, 2026

The College Basketball Invitational (CBI) is a men's college basketball tournament established in 2007 by The Gazelle Group. It invites 16 teams that didn't make the NCAA Tournament or NIT, provided they pay a $27,500 entry fee. Until 2020, games were played on home courts. Post-COVID, it's been held at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is a single-elimination tournament. Since 2021, the championship is determined by a single game. In 2023, the CBI introduced NIL funding, distributing $40,000 among the champion, runner-up, and semifinalists. The 2026 tournament was canceled due to circumstances beyond organizers' control.

1974: Collegiate Commissioners Association Tournament

In 1974, the Collegiate Commissioners Association Tournament occurred.

2007: CBI Creation

In 2007, The Gazelle Group created the College Basketball Invitational (CBI), a men's college basketball tournament.

March 18, 2008: Opening Round Games

On March 18, 2008, the opening round of games were played in the 2008 College Basketball Invitational.

March 19, 2008: Opening Round Games

On March 19, 2008, the opening round of games were played in the 2008 College Basketball Invitational.

March 24, 2008: Second Round Games

On March 24, 2008, the second round of games were played in the 2008 College Basketball Invitational.

March 26, 2008: Semifinal Games

On March 26, 2008, the semifinal games took place in the 2008 College Basketball Invitational.

April 4, 2008: Championship Game

On April 4, 2008, the championship game was played in the 2008 College Basketball Invitational.

2008: Tulsa wins CBI

In 2008, Tulsa was crowned the champion of the College Basketball Invitational tournament.

2009: Broadcast Changes to HDNet

In 2009, the tournament broadcasts were changed to HDNet, with multiple games being broadcasted on the network.

2013: HDNet Renamed AXS

In 2013, HDNet changed its name to AXS prior to the tournament.

2014: CBS Sports Network Broadcasts

In 2014, CBS Sports Network televised the College Basketball Invitational tournament.

2014: Indiana Hoosiers Decline Invitation

In 2014, Indiana Hoosiers athletic director Fred Glass declined a CBI invitation, stating, "We're Indiana. We don't play in the CBI."

2015: CBS Sports Network Broadcasts

In 2015, CBS Sports Network televised the College Basketball Invitational tournament.

February 1, 2016: ESPN Partnership Announced

On February 1, 2016, the CBI announced an exclusive television partnership with ESPN to broadcast the Championship Series of the CBI.

2019: ESPNU Broadcasts

From 2016 to 2019, ESPNU televised the best-of-three Championship Series.

2020: Change in Venue

In 2020, prior to this year, teams competed on home courts. After the post-COVID pandemic revival, the tournament has been staged at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida.