The NBA 2K League is officially returning with a new format that blends culture, entertainment, creators, and NBA player integration into the competitive space. This isn’t just a relaunch, it’s a full directional shift for how the NBA 2K League will operate going forward. Read on to learn what the new structure looks like.
NBA 2K League Relaunched
The NBA 2K League has been re-launched under NBAT2 (the NBA + Take-Two joint venture) with a new direction focused on culture, creators, and entertainment, not just esports competition. This updated NBA 2K League model combines competitive NBA 2K gameplay with reality-style creator content, personality-driven storytelling, and live streaming. Through a new multi-year partnership with the NBPA, more NBA players will actively appear, compete, and participate in the new NBA 2K League ecosystem.
The New NBA 2K League Season Format
The revamped NBA 2K League is structured as a content-first season with online tournaments, in-person events, creator and NBA player challenges, weekly episodic drops, and “chaos”-style unpredictable moments guided by Jesser – who now serves as the Honorary Commissioner – along with a rotating celebrity advisory board.
For the launch season, six NBA teams will compete in the NBA 2K League: Boston, Detroit, Memphis, Toronto, Utah, and Washington. Each roster blends NBA players (Gradey Dick, Duncan Robinson), major NBA2K creators (Zach2K, BEARDABEAST, Kofie), and select fans. The first episode premieres Nov. 5, followed by tournaments Nov. 8–9 and Nov. 15–16 on Twitch.
NBA 2K League: MyPLAYER Mayhem & Next Fan Up
The inaugural season tips off with “MyPLAYER Mayhem” – a creator and player-led 2KL competitive reality series that brings their personalities, fanbases, and rivalries into play. The debut episode will launch Wednesday, Nov. 5 on the 2K League YouTube channel and culminate in two, livestreamed tournaments on Twitch Nov. 8-9 and Nov. 15-16. This action-packed season opener will be followed by ongoing episodes dropping throughout the week and additional tournaments throughout the season.
Beginning Sunday, November 16, fans can sign up for “Next Fan Up,” the groundbreaking, new open 2K ladder that gives any player, anywhere, the chance to compete alongside their favorite creators, NBA players and teams. Once registered, fans can choose to compete for their favorite NBA team and rise through the ranks in a series of gameplay and social media challenges.
