NBA 2K League is an esports league affiliated with the video game NBA 2K. The most recent edition of the game, NBA 2K23, was released on September 9 2022.
The game is published by 2K Sports with a license from the NBA.
Multiple players and a coach from the NBA 2K League were suspended in October 2022 in connection with allegations of gambling.
League Launched In 2017
The NBA 2K League was launched in 2017 as a joint venture between the NBA and Take-Two Interactive, the publisher of the NBA 2K game series.
The league consisted of virtual teams that are operated by real NBA franchises. The teams competed head to head in a bracketed playoff system, leading to a championship game at the end of the tournament.
NBA 2K League Players Disqualified
NBA 2K League released a statement on October 27 2022 revealing that six players and a coach from the league would be “disqualified indefinitely” for “violating the league’s gambling and fantasy rules.”
The players named were Marquis Gill, Christopher Lafanette, Dorian Earl Miller and Robert Nastasi of Blazer5 Gaming, Kimanni Ingram of Jazz Gaming, and Zekirri Dennis of Mavs Gaming.
Andrew Maxie, a coach for Blazer5 Gaming was also disqualified.
Allegations Of Gambling On NBA 2K Games
NBA 2K League said in their statement that several of the players “attempted to wager on NBA 2K League games, either on their own or through other individuals.”
The league also said the players violated rules by failing to report violations and failing to cooperate with the investigation.
NBA 2K League President Brendan Donohue said, “We take our obligation to the competition and to our fans incredibly seriously, and we will always act forcefully regarding violations of the rules governing game integrity and the related reporting and cooperation requirements.”
One of the first political bloggers in the world, Oliver Willis has operated OliverWillis.com since 2000. Contributor at Media Matters for America and The American Independent. Follow on Twitter at @owillis.
