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.
To celebrate the announcement, the Sacramento Kings hosted a special event at Golden 1 Center to showcase NBA 2K on the association’s largest and only 4K Ultra HD videoboard.
“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.”
“These teams have expressed a tremendous level of enthusiasm around esports and the potential for our new league,” said NBA 2K esports league Managing Director Brendan Donohue. “We’re looking forward to forming something truly unique that can engage existing basketball and gaming fans, while creating a new generation of avidity for the game.”
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.
