The growth of esports over the next few years is expected to be fast and furious. As everyone watches the booming industry and plans accordingly, the latest announcement is perhaps telling for some of the big ways teams will be financed.
The NBA and Take Two have announced a joint effort to bring 17 teams into an NBA 2k esports league in 2018. These squads will be owned and operated by NBA teams for three years, providing a level of stability early on. Each team will value around $750k.
This isn’t the first foray into esports by the teams, as several of the owners already dabble in ownership and promotion of competitive gaming ventures.
The teams named are:
- 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
- Sacramento Kings
- Toronto Raptors
- Utah Jazz
- Washington Wizards
The league will be managed by Brendan Donohue, former NBA Senior VP Business & Marketing, and will include a draft, though not much else has been revealed. More announcements are expected in the coming months, and with E3 right around the corner it may be the opportune time to reveal pertinent information.
Source: NBA
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