The NBA 2K League is preparing to get bigger in 2019 as more clubs are expected to join the digital hardwood before this month’s registration deadline.
The NBA 2K League is well into its inaugural season blending the world of eSports with basketball for a new generation of fans. The 17-team league filled with the best online 2K video game players around the world has given new opportunities for gamers.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced the very first draft pick of the NBA 2K League, ushering in the new era. In a press conference following the draft, Silver shared his thoughts on the league and future potential.
"“From the NBA’s standpoint, this is our fourth league, We have the NBA, the WNBA, the G-League and now this is the fourth league in our family, and that’s exactly as we’re treating it.“I do see them as athletes, because it requires a unique combination of physical and mental skills to excel. It’s not that different than the NBA, where you have to have incredible physical skills, but our very best players bring a certain mental focus and prowess to the court as well. It’s a different set of physical skills certainly, but to watch these gamers/athletes compete, what I’ve read about their training regimens they go through, it’s incredibly hard work.”"
NBA 2K League has set a June 29 deadline for NBA teams looking to join in the 2019 season. There are 30 NBA teams overall and currently, 17 have 2K squads in the league leaving 13 teams to be possibly added soon. NBA 2K League managing director Brendan Donohue shared his optimism on getting all teams aboard in a recent interview with Sports Business Daily.
"“I think we’ll get to 30 teams, eventually, if it’s spread out over the next couple years, that’s very realistic.”"
I recently attended a full day of NBA 2K League games at the studio in New York City and spoke with DeMar Butler aka Deedz of Utah Jazz Gaming. Deedz proudly considers himself the Draymond Green of the league with is very opinionated personality.
What are your thoughts on the NBA 2K League and being a part of Utah Jazz Gaming?
"“I love the league man, this is like a 2K players dream. We grew up playing this game all the time, we played on different websites, so you know the community and we know a lot of the same people. For us to make it to the big leagues it’s a crazy feeling.“My teammates, I love my teammates man it’s crazy how the Jazz was able to draft all of us together and just able to mesh well like that. I love this whole situation wouldn’t trade it for nothing.”"
Do you feel any pressure competing on such a national stage?
"“Personally I don’t feel any pressure in any game, been playing for a long time, I played in both $250,000 tournaments…that was pressure single eliminations. So this right here is just another game for me…game by game for me.”"
What does your team do to build chemistry in between games?
"“From day-to-day we might go to the gym, lift, play some hoops or whatever. Go back to the house, watch SportsCenter. It’s just like being with your boys all the time and you’re doing what y’all love to do.”"
The league is innovative and popular among longtime NBA 2K video gamers who are creating a professional path for future players.
Next: 2018 NBA Mock Draft - Final edition
As intense as it gets during matchups, the league is a family-friendly product that should grow tremendously if all teams do commit.