The National Basketball Association (NBA) is getting into eSports. It has announced a gaming league based around Take-Two’s popular NBA 2K video game series. The establishment of the NBA 2K League represents the first time a professional US sports organization has entered the eSports business in this manner.
Matches in the league will begin in 2018. Each team will be comprised of five players and they’ll compete over the course of a regular NBA season, finishing with playoff and championship games.
We believe we have a unique opportunity to develop something truly special for our fans and the young and growing e-sports community, – Adam Silver, commissioner, NBA
Other professional sports entities have also started to take interest in eSports. Teams like the Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards have acquired stakes in eSports teams, and the Philadelphia 76ers acquired two gaming teams last year.
