NBA 2K LEAGUE APAC

The NBA 2K League, a groundbreaking collaboration between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Take-Two Interactive, has become a pioneering force in the world of esports. Launched in May 2018, it marked the first official esports league operated by a U.S. professional sports organization. Over the years, the league has seen substantial growth, expanding from its inaugural 17 teams to a robust roster of 25, with 22 affiliated directly with NBA teams.

 

Team Structure and Gameplay
Each team in the NBA 2K League is affiliated with an NBA franchise, except for outliers like the Gen.G Tigers, DUX Infinitos, and the recently announced NBL Oz Gaming. These teams compete in both 3 vs. 3 and 5 vs. 5 gameplay, showcasing the skills of the best NBA 2K players globally. Notably, players control unique characters, not existing NBA players, adding a distinct layer of creativity and strategy to the league.

Championship Legacy
The league's competitive landscape has seen its fair share of thrilling moments, with champions crowned at the end of each season. The 2023 season saw the Warriors Gaming Squad emerge as the 5v5 champions, while DUX Infinitos claimed victory in the 3v3 category. In 2022, Bucks Gaming and Pistons GT were crowned champions in the 5v5 and 3v3 formats, respectively. The Wizards District Gaming clinched the title in 2021 and 2020, while T-Wolves Gaming and Knicks Gaming secured victories in 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Leadership and Operations
Overseeing the league's operations is NBA 2K League CEO Andrew Perlmutter, ensuring the smooth functioning and growth of the esports venture.

The 2023 Season
The 2023 season showcased a blend of remote and in-person games, with the latter held at District E in downtown Washington, D.C., in collaboration with Monumental Sports & Entertainment. The season featured a tournament-centric structure, split into two halves of 3v3 and 5v5 gameplay. Notable events included the Coinbase NBA 2KL 3v3 BLACKTOP SERIES and THE BANNER CHAIN SERIES, powered by AT&T, offering diverse and competitive experiences for players and fans alike. With a total cash prize pool of $2.5 million, the season also witnessed amateur teams facing off against NBA 2K League teams in the Coinbase NBA 2KL 3v3 BLACKTOP SERIES.

NBA 2K League Asia-Pacific Invitational
Expanding its global footprint, the NBA 2K League hosted the Asia-Pacific Invitational presented by Cignal. This in-person event took place in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, marking the league's third qualifying event in the Asia-Pacific region. The tournament featured 40 players from Australia, China, Indonesia, New Zealand, and the Philippines, competing in scrimmages and a tournament. The winning team's five players earned eligibility for the 2024 NBA 2K League Draft. Livestreamed on the NBA 2K League's Twitch and YouTube channels, as well as NBA TV Philippines and Cignal’s streaming service Pilipinas Live, the event demonstrated the league's commitment to fostering global talent.