17. Not 19. But the p6 really aren't taking a lot more spots, the NIT needs them to remain viable. The lack of the Utah Valley's of the lower leagues taking spots is what helps the Richmonds.
Syracuse I believe opted out too.
17 is correct - with 3 coming from AAC and 4 from A10.
Seton Hall (Big East)
LSU (SEC)
Providence (Big East)
BC (ACC)
Wake (ACC)
Georgia (SEC)
Xavier (Big East)
VA Tech (ACC)
Ohio State (Big Ten)
Butler (Big East)
Minnesota (Big Ten)
Cincy (Big 12)
Nova (Big East)
UCF (Big 12)
Iowa (Big Ten)
Kansas State (Big 12)
Utah (Pac)
I wonder how many lower level regular season champs did not end up winning their conference tourneys? And therefore would have "stolen" NIT bids from some of these P6 schools or higher mid-majors - like the A10. I did a quick count and it looks like 8 teams won their league regular season and didn't make the NIT (some did - like Indiana State - so didn't count them as they got in anyways). SO you would need to swap out 8 teams, which would be some of the P6 and some of the "others" like the A10. But I think you can easily make a case to throw out BC, Georgia, Xavier, UCF, and North Texas,(AAC). Then probably 4 from the others which would include A10 teams.
Just my opinion - if the P6 teams are going to decline, then why should the NIT have a deal with them to invite them? If they have a deal to invite them - it should be mandatory they will accept (which I would have thought would occur behind closed doors). The fact that P6 teams can and will decline, just shows they are controlling the NIT. I mean imagine the meeting they had to discuss this with the P6 conferences.
NIT - "We would like to offer auto-bids to top 12 non NCAA teams from your leagues"
P6 leagues - "Thats great".
NIT - "But we need you to say you will play in it, no matter what"
P6 - Sorry - can't do that. Academics might play a role in decisions. And you know the portal is important to teams who didn't make the NCAA, they need first pick of the portal to try and better their team so they don't make the NIT next year, but make the NCAA.
NIT - Thats okay, just thought we would ask. Thanks for working with us P6.