WNIT Sets 48-Team Field Ahead of 2026 Women’s NIT Bracket Drop

FGCU head coach Raina Harmon talks to her team during a timeout .The Florida Gulf Coast University women's basketball team opened their season Saturday, Nov. 8, as the lady Eagles faced off against Davidson College Wildcats at Alico Arena. Davidson walked away with the victory with a final score of 77-51. — FGCU head coach Raina Harmon leads the Eagles to the 2026 Women's NIT in her first year as head coach. (Ricardo Rolon/USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA/Imagn Images)

Mar 16, 2026

JWS Staff

The Women's National Invitation Tournament announced its 48-team field on Sunday, setting the scene for Monday's 2026 Women's NIT bracket drop.

The Women's NIT bracket includes automatic bids for teams that finished second in their respective conference tournaments but failed to make either the NCAA Tournament or Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament.

This year's automatic berths are Abilene Christian (WAC), Alcorn State (SWAC), Florida International (Conference USA), Lamar (Southland), Mercyhurst (NEC), Montana State (Big Sky), Radford (Big South), Maryland Eastern Shore (MEAC), and Youngstown State (Horizon League).

"I'm very proud of this team and we're excited to continue playing," said Montana State head coach Tricia Binford.

"The resume this team put together is certainly deserving of post-season basketball. We finished 69th in the NET Ranking, had a Quad One win, and won 25 basketball games. I believe our best basketball remains in front of this team, and with no seniors on this team the post-season experience we gain will be valuable."

Additional programs headlining the Women's NIT field include Wake Forest from the ACC and Southern Indiana from the Ohio Valley Conference. Mid-major programs dominate the bracket, with strong representation from the Summit League, Horizon League, and Conference USA.

The WNIT has fallen in stature since the WBIT replaced it as the NCAA's second-tier postseason tournament in 2024, with the NIT now serving as the third option for teams seeking extended postseason play.

Organizers will reveal the full bracket with seeding and matchups on Monday, with the tournament set to tip off on March 19th before culminating in April 4th's championship.