Today, the NBA 2K esports league announced that the Sacramento Kings will join 16 other National Basketball Association (NBA) teams to participate in its inaugural season, set to debut in 2018.
“Utilizing technology to grow the game of basketball is core to our organizational mission,” said Kings Owner and Chairman Vivek Ranadivé. “We’re excited to join the league from the beginning, work with the NBA to reach new audiences around the globe and provide our voice to the conversation about the future of sports.”
“This is the first step in what promises to be an extraordinary league, bringing together the world’s best gamers and showcasing elite competition on an international stage,” said NBA 2K esports league Managing Director Brendan Donohue. “Our teams have expressed tremendous enthusiasm for esports, and we are looking forward to forming something truly unique for basketball and gaming fans around the globe.”
Additional participating organizations include:
Boston Celtics
Cleveland Cavaliers
Dallas Mavericks
Detroit Pistons
Golden State Warriors
Indiana Pacers
Memphis Grizzlies
Miami Heat
Milwaukee Bucks
New York Knicks
Orlando Magic
Philadelphia 76ers
Portland Trail Blazers
Toronto Raptors
Utah Jazz
Washington Wizards
In February 2017, the NBA and Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) announced plans to launch a new, professional competitive gaming league that will bring together the best basketball gamers in the world. In the coming months, the league and its teams will make a variety of announcements related to participating players, league structure and business updates.
