NBA is finally delving deep into the virtual sports world. Yes, you heard it right; now it is on its journey of creating its own esports organization. It is a partnership venture between Take-Two interactive and NBA and the association is known as “NBA 2K eLeague”. If you are still not aware of Take-Two Interactive, let us tell you that it is a parent company of 2K sports, which deals with basketball video games.
In a news release, both the companies have announced that NBA 2K eLeague would be the 1st of its kind to be operated by US Professional sports league. In this, there would be a team of 5 persons and would be run through NBA clubs. As of now, it is not clear whether the 30 franchises of NBA will be operating its own squad or not.
The competition will be neck-to-neck and very tough; the structure will be similar to that of the traditional match schedules. There would be a regular season and then, finally there will be a championship showdown.
The eSports community is enjoying NBA 2K and it will provide something unique to the gaming community and the fans, said Adam Silver, the NBA commissioner. Take-Two has a good gaming expertise, while NBA has the best-in-class team operators. This rocking combination is surely going to offer a perfect league experience.
Why this partnership?
Take-Two’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick stated that the industry of eSports is ever growing and that they have an aim of taking the thrill of this gaming to a new height through this partnership.
Visual Concepts, the developer of NBA 2K said that this partnership will help in establishing a strong foothold. After the release of 2K 16, NBA had started “Road to the finals” competition; it lasted for months and then, there was a championship event in the month of June. The top prize was $250,000. A spectator mode was added to NBA2k16 so that the matches can be watched in the game.
The eLeague partnership makes great sense from the perspective of pro-basketball league. For NBA owners and athletes, Esports is ever-growing and multiple people are affiliated.
Some big names associated with this are Rick Fox, the Lakers player of Los Angeles and also the owner of League of Legends team, Shaquille O’Neal, the investor of NRG eSports, Magic Johnson, the majority share holder in Team Liquid, Peter Guber and Ted Leonsis who own NBA teams and 76ers, who purchased Apex Gaming and Team Dignitas.
