The NBA 2K League has been officially relaunched with a new format designed to blend competitive gaming with broader entertainment and community engagement. The move aims to create a more inclusive property that appeals to a wider audience beyond traditional esports competitors.
NBA Take-Two Media (NBAT2), the joint venture between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Take-Two Interactive Software, unveiled the reimagined league on 3rd November 2025. The new direction is part of a multi-year strategy to transform the league into an “immersive entertainment and gaming property.”
A key component of this shift is a new multi-year partnership with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), which will facilitate greater involvement from NBA players in league activities.
Also read: NBA and 2K extend partnership including esports initiatives
“The new 2KL creates storylines and moments that are as unique and unexpected as the culture around the game,” a press release said. The league will feature a mix of online and in-person tournaments, original content series, and a novel open-ladder competition.
The inaugural season will feature six NBA teams: the Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, and Washington Wizards. Each will be represented by a duo of creators and NBA players. The season will tip off with a competitive reality series titled “MyPLAYER Mayhem,” with episodes launching on the league’s YouTube channel from 5th November.
Andrew Perlmutter, CEO of NBAT2, explained the strategic thinking behind the relaunch. “With the new 2KL, we’re building an entirely new type of entertainment universe that blends competition with content,” he said. “Filled with wild, wacky, unpredictable and emotionally resonant moments, we’re extending the immensely popular world of NBA 2K beyond competitive gaming and will show fans who their favorite athletes and creators are off the court.”
Influential sports creator Jesse “Jesser” Riedel has been appointed as the league’s Honorary Commissioner. With a community of over 35 million YouTube followers, Jesser will be a central figure, working with a board of celebrity guests to guide the league.
A new feature of the new league is the “Next Fan Up” open ladder. Beginning on 16th November, this initiative allows any player, regardless of skill level, to register and compete for a chance to play alongside the professional creators and NBA players affiliated with their favourite teams. This open format marks a significant departure from the previous, more exclusive structure of the NBA 2K League, potentially broadening its participant base and viewership.
