The1969National Invitation Tournament was originated by the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association in 1938. Responsibility for its administration was transferred two years later to local colleges, first known as the Metropolitan Intercollegiate Basketball Committee and in 1948, as the Metropolitan Intercollegiate Basketball Association (MIBA), which comprised representatives from five New York City schools:Fordham University,Manhattan College,New York University,St. John's University, andWagner College. Originally all of the teams qualifying for the tournament were invited to New York City, and all games were played atMadison Square Garden.

Perennial powerKansas made its second—and as of 2025, most recent—NIT appearance.

Below is a list of the 16 teams selected for the tournament.^[1]

Below is the tournament bracket.^[1]

• 1969 NCAA University Division basketball tournament
• 1969 NCAA College Division basketball tournament
• 1969 NAIA Division I men's basketball tournament
• 1969 National Women's Invitational Tournament

• 1968–69 NCAA University Division men's basketball season
• 1969 in sports in New York City
• Basketball in New York City
• College sports in New York City
• March 1969 sports events in the United States
• National Invitation Tournament
• Basketball competitions in New York City
• Sports competitions in Manhattan
• 1960s in Manhattan

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• Short description matches Wikidata
• Use mdy dates from August 2023