This petition is respectfully directed at the National Office Leadership Team of the National Collegiate Athletic Association ("NCAA") as a formal request for said leadership team to give consideration to and vote on the following proposal, which aims at enhancing both the NCAA National Invitational Tournament ("NIT) as well as the sportsmanship of the game itself. 

The supporters of this petition recognize the NIT tournament has lost significant luster as the years have passed - while the NCAA tournament has since seen expansion to the "first four-in" games. To marry these turn of events, the undersigned hereby propose the following: 

The NIT Tournament rules should be changed to award the winner of that year's NIT tournament with an automatic qualifying bid to the following year's NCAA Tournament, or at a minimum, a spot in one of the "first four in" games.

This small and easy to facilitate rule change would tangibly and immediately add greater relevance and purpose to the NIT tournament - giving the players and schools something really important to play for. Time and time again we see schools politely decline invitations to the NIT - despite how much we know these players love playing basketball. Having that proverbial carrot on the stick of an automatic bid next year could completely change the NIT's dynamic.

As a corresponding benefit, those players would be much less inclined to transfer, having next year's spot secured - eliminating the NIL phenomenon we've been witnessing. Moreover, such team would still play a competitive season to increase their seeding chances in the tournament. 

In a sense, this would be somewhat analogous to the relegation and promotion style of European soccer/football, without the relegation factor. 

To conclude, each and every signatory below is a die-hard college basketball fan. Many of which happen to be fans of Seton Hall, such as this petitions author - and which is what prompted this request. When Seton Hall won the NIT this year, the joy, happiness, and sheer pride and accomplishment was evident on each and every players' face - and showed what basketball really is all about. No - they didn't win the NCAA tournament. And sure, not many people outside of SHU and Indiana State fans paid much attention - but to these students, these fans, and these schools - it was a memory they 'll never forget. Everyone signed below wants to share this feeling and make the NIT just as relevant as it once was. 

Accordingly, we formally request the National Office Leadership Team or a committee appointed thereby, to examine the feasibility and logistics of this request and conduct an analysis measuring the benefits such change could create. Should same be positive, we request such proposal be considered as a permanent rule change in the NCAA by-laws and the proper channels are followed to effectuate such change. 

Thank you.

The Dedicated College Basketball Fans Hoping to Collectively make a Change