The NBA 2K League is a professional esports league featuring the popular basketball simulation video game NBA 2K. In 2018, the NBA (National Basketball Association) collaborated with Take-Two Interactive to launch a joint venture, which led to the production and publication of NBA 2K.
What is the NBA 2K League exactly?
The league consists of 23 teams, each affiliated with an NBA franchise, and features five-on-five gameplay with players controlling virtual avatars. Like the physical NBA, the NBA 2K League has seasons, playoffs, and championships. The prize pool totals $1.5m, so it’s not just a bit of fun, either.
The league is intended to be a professional esports league, with players receiving a salary, benefits, and housing. Like other esports, it has been designed to provide opportunities for people who might not have been able to access traditional professional sports like college leagues.
The NBA 2K League has gained a significant following, with games streamed live on Twitch and other platforms. Like regular sports, it’s also a platform for partnerships and sponsorships. Brands involved have included State Farm, AT&T, and Dell Gaming, among others.
How does qualifying work?
It isn’t easy to qualify for the NBA 2K League and players must follow a series of steps before they can be a part of it. Here are the steps for qualifying:
1. Meeting eligibility requirements: To be eligible to join the NBA 2K League, you must be over 18 years of age, have a government-issued (and valid) ID, and have a copy of NBA 2K for either Xbox Series X/S or PlayStation 5.
2. Registering: Players need to register on the official website when the registration period opens.
3. Completing the qualification process: Players must play 40 games in Pro-Am mode and must win at least 25 of them. This will determine their skill level.
4. Attending the draft: The top-qualifying players will be given an invitation to take part in the NBA 2K League Draft. This happens in spring. During the draft, players are chosen by the teams to join their rosters for the next season.
Competition for roster spots is intense and there are a limited number of them available. Those who aren’t drafted to a team can still take part in the league’s online events and tournaments to try and improve their skill level, which will increase their chances of being chosen in future drafts.
Wagering on the NBA 2K League
Like lots of other esports, wagering on the NBA 2K League is becoming more popular. Esports betting typically takes place through online platforms and sportsbooks, and many of these specialize in esports.
Through these platforms, people can place bets on different game aspects such as the final score, the winner, and the performance of individual players. Some platforms will also offer in-play betting, which means you can place bets during the game. For more information, check out the Game Day.
Like any betting or wagering, it’s important for players to exercise caution when betting and only play with money that they can afford to lose. What’s more, bettors should ensure they’re using a reputable and licensed sportsbook to place their bets.
Attendance at the NBA 2K League Draft
The NBA 2K League Draft is typically a closed-door event, meaning that only invited guests and media are allowed to attend in person. The draft typically takes place in a studio, with an audience of 200 people. These are league officials, team representatives, members of the media, and the friends and family of the potential players.
The event is live-streamed on the NBA 2K League website and its social media channels. This gives fans the opportunity to tune in from wherever they are in the world to follow the draft.
Final thoughts
The NBA 2K League has quickly become a major player in the esports industry since its launch in 2018. With a unique combination of basketball and video game elements, the league has attracted a growing fanbase and has created new opportunities for professional gamers. The structure and regulations of the league are similar to that of traditional sports. Players receive benefits and salaries, and the games are streamed online so that fans can follow them and bet on them. With the league’s likely continued growth, it will be interesting to see how things evolve and what new elements are brought into the esports and betting sphere.