NBA 2K League to undergo major revamp

The NBA 2K League, the tier-one esports league for basketball franchise NBA 2K, has announced plans to revamp the competition.

According to a release, the NBA and game publisher Take-Two Interactive will ‘reimagine the NBA 2K League into a global digital entertainment business.’ This will result in a revamped 2K competitive ecosystem and a ‘new digital media brand.’

The 2K League also noted that its new competitive league in 2025 will also involve NBA players and celebrities. Exact details surrounding NBA 2K’s new 2025 season will be shared in the coming months.

A report by Dexerto, notes that a significant amount of staff have been laid off as a result of the revamp, including broadcast teams, general managers and coaches. The exact amount of personnel affected by the decision is currently unknown.

The revamp follows the league’s struggles to increase viewing figures throughout 2024. According to esports data platform Esports Charts, the NBA 2K League’s 5v5 season has reached peak viewing figures of 25,950 and 20,958 for its recent main tournaments — The Tipoff and The Turn, respectively.

In 2023, the NBA 2K League appointed Andrew Perlmutter as its first-ever CEO in September 2023. On July 2nd 2024, THE NBA 2k League held a meeting with staff and team management announcing significant layoffs and changes to the league.

According to General Manager and Head Coach of Heat Check Gaming ‘Famous Enough,’ Perlmutter “fired everyone in 10 minutes and got off.” Following the meeting, former NBA 2K League commentator Jamie ‘Dirk’ Diaz Ruiz alleged on Twitch that the league will go on a long hiatus for a revamped league to return in 2025.

A statement from the NBA 2K League shared details on the decision to overhaul the league: “Driven by a bold new vision, the future business will combine NBA and Take-Two brand assets and seek to engage consumers who live and play where pop culture, gaming and basketball collide.”