Going Hard in the Paint: What is the NBA 2K League?

The NBA 2K League brings together the best of the best to face-off on your favorite franchise’s virtual court.

NBA and Take-Two Interactive Software teamed up to support the esports community with a majority of the NBA’s 30 franchises participating. Every team has a unique name and logo to differentiate the NBA teams from their 2K League equivalents.

Franchises draft six players to represent every team in weekly games, invitationals, and the postseason. Every team member controls one player in five-on-five matches.

Pro-Am mode is used to level the playing field. Customizable characters are banned, so there’s no need to worry about extra time and money giving players unfair advantages. Players instead select preset skills and attributes for head to head competitions.

Every team has a general manager, director, and other staff beyond the athletes.

2K League Franchise Teams

NBA 2K League Teams

How to Tryout: 2K League Qualifier and League Combine

The 2K League Qualifier weeds out weaker players with set criteria required to advance to the 2K League Combine. This clever video does an excellent job of explaining the qualifications.

Enter stage two of the selection process, the NBA 2K League Combine. Players need to complete 40 minimum games. The League watches these matches and picks players to appear at the draft. Winners of the offseason Pro-Am tournaments, invitationals, and other international opportunities are also draft-eligible.

Franchise players from prior seasons can even be drafted if their team doesn’t resign them.

What is the NBA 2K League Draft?

Franchise figures use a snake draft to take turns selecting players until their roster reaches six. A snake draft means if you pick first round 1, then round 2 you pick last. This repeats every two rounds, so you’d pick first round 3 and last round 4.

The date and location for the 2020 2K League will be announced at a later date.

2020 2K League Season 3 Schedule

The schedule will be announced at a later date.

2K League Invitationals: APAC and European Invitationals

Invitationals bring more regions to tip-off. Winners earn entry into the upcoming draft pool.

A handful of the best players from the Asia Pacific Region passed, picked, and pushed for the opportunity to get drafted in season 3.

Similar events unfold in Europe featuring fearsome competitors vying for their chance at future franchises.

Pro-Am Tournaments: Local Layup or Tough Turnover?

Some franchises host local tournaments during the offseason to give stand out players early chances to qualify for the draft pool.

NBA 2K League Series, Highlights, and Awards

The League is more than just players earning eligibility and excelling in high stakes environments. NBA 2K earned an ESPY, made strides with women in gaming, and host a plethora of enticing web series. Here’s a selection of matches, highlights, and more to get into the zone!

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