A revolutionary addition to college basketball, the Crown tournament has sparked debates about its implications on other postseason events. By introducing a significant cash prize, it attracts participants more than smaller-scale tournaments. Kashif Summers, once a player for DePaul's men’s club basketball team, expresses enthusiasm over this financial opportunity, particularly for athletes during the postseason. This monetary incentive allows players to conclude their collegiate careers with a potentially lucrative finale.

The Crown made its debut recently when Butler and Utah competed in its inaugural game. Although DePaul received an invitation, they were defeated by Cincinnati in the opening round. Held in Las Vegas, this event is now one of four postseason tournaments, alongside the NIT, CBI, and the NCAA men’s national championship. Concerns have arisen regarding the scheduling congestion of these tournaments. Alonso Bueno, a senior at DePaul and avid basketball enthusiast, advocates for staggering these events to enhance media coverage and public focus. He emphasizes that prioritizing current tournaments before expanding further could be beneficial. The inclusion of top-tier teams from major conferences like the Big Ten, Big 12, and Big East in the Crown reduces the availability of such teams for other tournaments, impacting their competitiveness.

As the landscape of college basketball evolves, Vincent Peña, an assistant professor at DePaul specializing in sports communication, acknowledges the shifting importance of the NIT due to the Crown. Historically significant, the NIT lacks the financial appeal that the Crown offers. With NIL opportunities allowing athletes financial compensation, larger programs benefit significantly. However, smaller-market teams and lower-tier tournaments face challenges as star players frequently transfer, leaving imbalances in team compositions. Despite potential drawbacks, the Crown provides another platform for teams not qualifying for the national championship while involving substantial monetary rewards. This new format represents a pivotal moment reshaping college basketball, questioning how similar models may influence future dynamics within the sport.