As teams gear up for the NBA 2K League playoffs this Friday, the league also announced its plans to add more teams to the league for next season.
The league will add the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves, bringing the total number of teams playing in the league to 21 our of the 30 total teams that play in the NBA. The four new teams will play in the 2019 NBA 2K League season. NBA 2K League made its debut last year with 17 teams and will have more players and teams involved next year to increase the competition.
The regular season is finished and gamers are heading into the playoffs, but just in case you’re wondering what is the NBA 2K League is and how it’s played, here is some basic information to bring yourself up to speed and ready for the playoffs.
What is NBA 2K League?
The NBA 2K League is a professional eSports competitive gaming league co-created by the NBA and video game company Take-Two Interactive. The games are played on a special PC version of the popular NBA 2K 18 video game.
There are 17 teams currently in the league but next year the league will feature 21. Each team is operated by NBA franchises.
While there are many eSports and other competitive game competitions, this is the first eSports league that was created by a professional sports league.
Although real NBA team names are used in the tournament, real NBA players are not used. Players compete as unique characters using their own names in five-on-five gameplay. According to the eSports league, no artificial intelligence is used in gameplay and playing ability is determined by skill.
When did the eSports league start?
In the inaugural season that began on May 1, featured 102 NBA 2K players playing for 17 teams. There is a 15-week regular season that features weekly games and tournaments leading to the playoffs which tips-off on Friday, August 17. Playoffs will end with a best-of-three finals competition on Saturday, August 25.
Where are the games played?
League play takes place in New York City at the official NBA 2K League Studio Powered by Intel. Tickets can be purchased on the official site.
2018 NBA 2K League playoff schedule
Below is the 2018 NBA 2K League playoff schedule.
Quarterfinals
Friday, August 17: Session 1, 6-8 pm
Friday, August 17: Session 2, 8-10 pm
Semifinals
Saturday, August 18: Session 1, 11 am -2 pm
Saturday, August 18: Session 2, 4-7 pm
Finals
Saturday, August 25: Session 1, 4-7 pm
NBA 2K League Live stream
Games will be broadcast on Twitch, a social video service and gaming community. Twitch will live stream all NBA 2K League games on the official Twitch TV website. Replays of each game will be available to watch on demand. You can check out highlights from the first season on the official league site or Facebook.
