Esports are everywhere, with no sign of slowing down any time soon. People play video games not only for fun but to compete, fostering a vibrant competitive community.
One of the more synergistic esports endeavors is the marriage between the National Basketball Association and developer of the NBA 2K franchise, Take-Two Interactive. The result is the first esports league operated by a professional sports administration.
Let’s dive in and learn out how it works.
Everything you need to know
There are currently 23 teams in the NBA 2K League, 22 of which are affiliated with NBA teams (Gen. G Tigers of Shanghai are the exception). The league started in May 2018 with 17 teams. League Managing Director Brendan Donohue is the head of all operations.
Who are the past League champions?
In 2018, Knicks Gaming won the championship, followed by T-Wolves Gaming in 2019 and Wizards District Gaming in 2020.
What is the NBA 2K League structure?
Teams play each other in 5 on 5 matches using their own unique characters, not current NBA players. No artificial intelligence is used. They play in their home markets during the season. Each team has 6 players.
Who are the 23 NBA 2KL Teams?
The 23 teams are: Hornets Venom GT, Jazz Gaming, Kings Guard Gaming, Knicks Gaming, Lakers Gaming, Magic Gaming, Mavs Gaming, Nets GC, Pacers Gaming, Pistons GT, Raptors Uprising GC, T-Wolves Gaming, Warriors Gaming Squad, Wizards District Gaming, 76ers GC, Blazer 5 Gaming, Bucks Gaming, Celtics Crossover Gaming, Cavs Legion GC, the Gen.G Tigers of Shanghai, Grizz Gaming, Hawks Talon GC, and Heat Check Gaming.
How do you watch NBA 2K League Games?
The league has quite a few sponsors, including Twitch, YouTube, ESPN2, and TSN.
How do you qualify for the NBA 2K League?
Players need to be over the age of 18 and own the game on either PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. To be considered for the league, players need to win a number of Pro-Am competitions. If they catch the eye of the league, they’ll be invited to try out.
In October, the league announced that there will be over 35 Pro-Am tournaments hosted by the league teams in 2021 called the NBA 2K League Draft Prospect Series.
This will include a 2K League Combine, which will include only those eligible for the 2021 NBA 2K League Draft. Winning teams will be eligible as well, and teams can pick a losing player and give them a “Prospect Badge,” essentially making them draft eligible.
Other players selected for the draft will include “international players, participants in the Women in Gaming Development Camp, and high-performing players in the 2K community, as determined by league and team officials,” according to the league.
What’s the NBA 2K League format?
The 2020 season started in March and ended in August. Each team played 16 regular-season games. There are also rivalry matches, round-robin events, and three in-season tournaments.
How much do NBA 2K League players make?
Players make either $35,000 or $32,000 a year, with the higher salary going to the players drafted first. This doesn’t include sponsorships or tournaments, which players split.
How do I play in NBA 2K21 Tournaments?
An easy way to get into the game and test your mettle is to participate in the PS4 Open Series Tournaments for NBA 2K21. The next qualifying tournament is on Dec. 23. For a full list of tournaments, prizes, and scheduling, visit the NBA 2K21 page.
Image Source: NBA 2K League