The NBA 2K League and NBA 2K publisher Take-Two Interactive announced Tuesday the league will transition into “a global digital entertainment business,” indicating an end to the current format of the competition circuit. Competitive play will be moved under a “new digital media brand” offering live events and a “revamped 2K competitive league,” according to a release.
The new 2K League promises competitive play with involvement with NBA players and celebrities, though specific details on other changes are to be revealed at a later date this year. Details on the 2025 competitive season will be revealed in the coming months, according to the announcement.
A report from Dexerto claims that this revamp included laying off broadcast staff, general managers, and coaches in the league. This happened during a town hall meeting hosted by 2K League CEO Andrew Perlmutter with staff and management, according to the report. It is unclear, as of this writing, just how many people have been affected by this round of layoffs.
Also noted by Dexerto, league casters Harris Rubenstein and Jamie “Dirk” Diaz Ruiz, said in a Twitch stream that they were out of work following the 5 – 10 minute town hall meeting, and claimed that the league will be put on hold for the next 16 to 18 months to be revamped and reworked.
The league was announced in 2017 and launched its first season in 2018. The league is a joint venture between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Take-Two Interactive, using 2K Sports’ popular game, NBA 2K.
It is unclear what will happen to teams competing in the league; as of this writing those teams are 76ers GC, Blazer5 Gaming, Bucks Gaming, Cavs Legion GC, Celtics Crossover Gaming, Dux Infinitos, Gen.G Tigers, Grizz Gaming, Hawks Talon GC, Heat Check Gaming, Hornets Venom GT, Jazz Gaming, Kings Guard Gaming, Knicks Gaming, Lakers Gaming, Magic Gaming, Mavs Gaming, NBL Oz Gaming, NetsGC, Pacers Gaming, Pistons GT, Raptors Uprising GC, T-Wolves Gaming, Warriors Gaming Squad, and Wizards District Gaming.