What Is 1939 NAIA Men's Basketball Tournament

Overview

The 1939 NAIA Men's Basketball Tournament was a landmark event in college sports history, marking the first national championship for small colleges organized by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Held in March 1939, it established a precedent for postseason competition among smaller institutions across the United States.

The tournament brought together 32 teams in a single-elimination format, culminating in a championship game that drew national attention. Its success laid the foundation for what would become one of the longest-running collegiate basketball tournaments in the country.

• First championship: This was the inaugural NAIA national tournament, setting the standard for future editions and establishing a formal structure for small-college basketball competition.
• Location: All games were played at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri, which became the traditional home for the NAIA tournament for decades.
• Champion: Central Missouri State Teachers College defeated Southeast Missouri State 35–24 in the final to claim the first title in NAIA history.
• Dr. James Naismith: The inventor of basketball personally attended and presented the championship trophy, adding symbolic weight to the event’s significance.
• Format: The 32-team field was selected through regional qualifiers, reflecting a broad geographic representation from small colleges across the U.S.

Structure and Format

The 1939 NAIA Men's Basketball Tournament introduced a structured national playoff system for smaller colleges, offering a platform distinct from larger NCAA programs. Its format emphasized accessibility and competitive balance among member institutions.

• Single-elimination: Each game was winner-take-all, increasing stakes and drama, with teams needing to win six consecutive games to claim the title.
• 32-team field: The bracket included teams from 16 states, selected based on regional performance and recommendations from athletic directors.
• Game length: Matches consisted of two 20-minute halves, following standard college rules of the era, with physical play common due to limited substitutions.
• Scoring: Low point totals reflected the style of play; the championship game ended 35–24, typical for an era dominated by set shots and slower pace.
• Officials: Games were refereed by a two-man crew, as three-person crews were not yet standard in collegiate basketball.
• Admission: Tickets were priced affordably, with general admission at $0.75, helping draw large crowds to Kansas City.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1939 NAIA Tournament can be better understood by comparing it to later developments and its contemporary, the NCAA tournament, which also began in 1939.

The NAIA tournament actually featured a larger field than the NCAA’s inaugural event, highlighting its ambition to include more schools. While both tournaments began in the same year, the NAIA’s focus on inclusivity for smaller colleges gave it a distinct identity that persists today.

Why It Matters

The 1939 NAIA Men's Basketball Tournament was more than just a sporting event—it symbolized the growth of organized college athletics for smaller institutions and helped democratize national competition.

• National platform: It gave small colleges a chance to compete for a national title, increasing visibility and pride for institutions outside major conferences.
• Legacy: The tournament has been held annually since, making it the longest-running national collegiate basketball championship in the U.S.
• Influence: Its success pressured the NCAA to expand its own tournament, contributing to the modern college basketball landscape.
• Integration: The NAIA was more progressive in racial integration; within a decade, Black athletes participated and eventually starred in the tournament.
• Economic impact: Kansas City benefited from early March Madness-style tourism, setting a precedent for host cities.
• Cultural significance: Featuring Dr. Naismith’s presence linked the game’s origins to its evolving competitive structure, honoring its roots.

The 1939 tournament remains a cornerstone in the history of college basketball, illustrating how vision and inclusion helped shape the sport’s development at all levels.