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OU men’s basketball (19-15, 7-11 SEC) announced Monday that it will continue its season by participating in the 2026 College Basketball Crown Tournament.

The Sooners declined an invitation to compete in the NCAA’s National Invitational Tournament, the premier tournament for teams that miss the cut for the 68-team NCAA tournament field, following the announcement of their first-four out status on Selection Sunday.

The College Basketball Crown is a new postseason tournament that is a direct competitor to the NIT. In its inaugural season in 2025, the CBC featured a 16-team bracket with a single-elimination format similar to the NCAA Tournament. This season, however, the 16-team field has been reduced to eight teams: OU, Colorado (17-15), Baylor (16-16), Minnesota (15-17), Stanford (20-12), West Virginia (18-14), Rutgers (14-19) and Creighton (15-17). 

The CBC provides name, image and likeness funds for teams that advance through the tournament. Last season, Nebraska claimed the CBC Championship and received $300,000 in NIL money to distribute to its players. The runner-up, University of Central Florida, received $100,000, while semifinalists Boise State and Villanova each received a $50,000 NIL package. 

The tournament is scheduled to be played from April 1-5 in Las Vegas. Quarterfinals will be played at MGM Grand Garden Arena, while the semifinals and championship game will be played at T-Mobile Arena. 

The Sooners are set to tip off against Colorado in the quarterfinals at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, on Fox Sports 1.

This story was edited by Laurie Jones.

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